Photo TR: Midwest Screamin' Eagle 30 Hour Marathon Trip

[Jonathan]

See 5 posts down for the TR from the marathon on the Screamin' Eagle

See page 2 for the TR from Adventureland

 

To see the full gallery of photos from this day (93 photos) including high-res versions, go HERE.

 

 

Wednesday morning Dave and I flew out of Charlotte and into Kansas City. The reason behind the trip was the 30 hour marathon on the Screamin' Eagle at Six Flags St. Louis, but neither of us had been to Worlds of Fun, so we couldn't resist a trip.

 

 

Our rental car ended up being a Jeep Liberty. Here is Dave and Myrtle, the third member of our party. She didn't like coasters, but was pretty good at helping us get places.

 

 

Yay Morgan hyper.

 

 

Yay B&M inverted.

 

 

Here is the entrance to the parking lot. It was 104 degrees outside with a heat index of even higher. Thankfully, the park was fairly empty.

 

 

Our first ride of the day was Spinning Dragons, the Gerstlauer mouse.

 

 

Our car really didn't spin very much at all.

 

 

Patriot was next. It was the park's new attraction for this year.

 

 

For some reason they weren't allowing anyone to ride in the front car of either train.

 

 

Patriot is essentially a Talon clone, and it's a pretty fun ride.

 

 

Hooray for being cheap.

 

 

We were amazed at how nice looking this park was. And even more amazing was the fact that there was very little concrete to be seen!

 

 

Here is Dave after our ride on ThunderHawk, which is an awesome top spin.

 

 

Along with having a great program, the water jets get you absolutely DRENCHED.

 

 

Sadly (I think?), Timber Wolf was closed for the entire day.

 

 

When we saw the entrance to 'Cyclone Sam's Cloudpoofer 2000', we had absolutely no clue what it was. Luckily, we gave it a try, and it turned out to be the best ride in the park. It's an awesome indoor Wipeout. Basically, it's like the one Six Flags New England had, except instead of doing everything wrong, it does everything right.

 

 

Exclusive shot.

 

 

We were too tall to ride the Wacky Worm. Oh well.

 

 

Detonator was probably the most intense of the 'tall' S&S towers that I've been on.

 

 

This portion of the park has clearly been Cedar Fair-ized.

 

 

Mamba is fun, but there was very little airtime aside from the first two drops. The turnaround is really cool, though.

 

 

Yay Morgan.

 

 

For some reason I had totally forgotten the park had a Boomerang. My heart sank when I saw it sticking out above the trees, but then I jumped for joy when we saw that the train had valleyed between the loop and the second lift.

 

 

Deja Vu was open, and had no wait.

 

 

25 cent cotton candy is incredible. I really hope Cedar Fair rolls this out to the Paramount parks next year (I'll be really fat, then).

 

 

More Worlds of Fun prettiness.

 

 

Hooray for Rotors.

 

 

They had a shooting gallery that used the light sensors. You can probably guess what I'm doing here.

 

 

Back to the Cloudpoofer!

 

 

You can pay $12.39 for an all you can eat buffet...

 

 

Or, you can go on the park's website and pay $29.95 for the buffet AND admission to the park. That's $7 less than the regular admission price, plus you get the meal! The only requirement is that you must have 2 or more people.

 

 

Back to Patriot.

 

 

I've heard this coaster is pretty terrible, but I really do hate to miss any wooden coaster.

 

 

Exclusive shot 2.0

 

 

Here's the dog show. Or girl show. Not sure which.

 

 

We finally escaped the insane heat of what was the hottest day I have ever spent at a park, and hit the road toward St. Louis. Now, Missourians, I must ask the question: What is the deal with your roads? We got a kick out of passing road signs like "DD" and "PP". We could only assume that people from Missouri must be illiterate, so they have to make the roads only a letter or two.

 

 

It was a good thing we didn't leave Kansas City any earlier than we did, because we were right behind this storm, which as you've probably heard, absolutely ravaged St. Louis. The area was a real mess when we got in.

 

Overall, Worlds of Fun is a very nice park; stunningly nice for a Cedar Fair park. The downside is that it doesn't have a standout coaster. It does have the Cloudpoofer 2000, though, and that's good enough for me.

 

To see the full gallery of photos from this day (93 photos) including high-res versions, go HERE.

[DerekRx]

Looks like you lucked out at least with the weather and the crowds, even though it was hot. I'd be annoyed too if 2 of the coasters were closed and you can't ride a coaster you can ride anywhere else in the world, except at Family Kingdom. Probably worth it though to see the Boomerang valleyed. Great investment and replacement for the Zinger, CF!

[dandaman]

 

Why is:

 

a) Magnum in front of Coasters now, and

 

b) Iron Dragon isn't?!

 

 

Keep 'em coming.

[bgwfreak]

BOOOOOOOO! You got to ride a rotor.

 

I miss ours at Carowinds.

 

Looking forward to your report on the 30 hour insanity, I mean marathon.

[bigstevet07]

Trust me, unless you wanted to feel like you just went 12 rounds with Tyson, you didn't miss out on anything by not getting to ride the Timberwolf. I was there in May and rode it hoping they may have retracked it, and it has gotten worse. I had a headache the rest of the day.

 

I agree with Derek, nice replacement for the Zinger. That sucks, I still don't know why they got rid of the Zinger when it was still pretty popular and a fun ride. The Boomerang is just too painful.

[Jonathan]

Click HERE for the trip report from the previous day (Worlds of Fun).

 

Click HERE to see the full gallery of photos from this day (41 photos), including high-res versions.

 

 

Here is another shot of the lightning from the previous evening.

 

 

Now it's time for the real reason behind this trip. No, not The Boss...

 

 

The group gathers near the park offices.

 

 

Judy wasn't doing the marathon, but they let her drive us back to the Screamin' Eagle.

 

 

There it is, getting warmed up and ready to go.

 

 

Time to get started. The coaster was running well, but I found that I had to use the grab bar to keep my back off of the seat on every ride.

 

 

Here is Dave enjoying himself. He took only a couple of his breaks. As for myself, it was a very rough morning. I was feeling sick for the first few hours, but I was determined not to be the first to lose it. Luckily, I was not. The first person to exit the marathon departed after losing his breakfast in the train on the brake run. Somewhere around the fifth hour, I did the same, although I made it off the coaster and to the exit ramp. It was the first time I've ever gotten sick like that on a coaster. I think the heat had a lot to do with it, as it was well over 100 degrees during the day.

 

 

Did I come back? Of course. I didn't come all the way out here for nothin'. After receiving a round of applause from the entire train, I got back on. My stomach was just fine from then on.

 

 

Here are Dave and Judy at lunch. This was the first time Dave had gotten off of the coaster, aside from when they had to clean the vomit out of it.

 

 

It was time for our dinner break in the evening. The general public got to use our train while we were gone.

 

 

Yes, this is an exhausted bunch. But, there are still 18 hours to go. Note the towel Casey has around his neck. The park gave these to us in the middle of the afternoon soaked in ice cold water. It was heavenly.

 

 

Dinner was down the walkway at the Moose Lodge (or something like that).

 

 

I ate my dinner pretty quickly. Where could I be going?

 

 

Yes, that's right. I have decided to use part of my dinner break to get my missing credit from Six Flags St. Louis: Batman.

 

 

Yep, I also took a quick ride on The Boss. I am in fact an idiot.

 

 

Here is the sign that was at the entrance to the queue to try and inform people of what was going on so they wouldn't get pissed off.

 

 

It's the middle of the night, and the coaster rolls on. I did manage to grab a brief nap on a bench during one of my breaks. Some people (such as Dave) actually were able to sleep on the ride! I slept on the brake run, in the station, and going up the lift, but I have no idea how they were able to sleep during the course. One guy was out cold for hours!

 

 

We made it through the night! Maintanence had to do their morning check of the coaster, so we got to have breakfast. This ended up being the second worst part of the marathon for me (after the vomit incident). Apparently, when we took the extended break, all of my bruises softened, because the first ride after the break was the most painful coaster ride I have ever experienced.

 

 

We got an unexpected break in the morning when a storm rolled through the area, and the ride had to be shut down.

 

 

Waiting around for the ride to re-open.

 

 

Some people took the opportunity to get some rest.

 

 

Here I am in the rain delay.

 

 

We did it! 30 hours later, 14 of the 20 completed the marathon. I am still surprised that I was able to make it, especially after throwing up in the early hours, but I stuck it out, and it really was a lot of fun. I am told that the train smelled absolutely horrid when we got off. Afterwards, I was so sore I could barely sit down. The park was incredible. They provided us with snacks and drinks throughout the 30 hours, and all of the employees were incredibly enthusiastic and helpful. We also made out like bandits with prizes. I came away with a season pass for this year and next year, a piece of Eagle track, a pack of souvenir maps from every Six Flags park, and an Eagle goodie bag! It was unbelievable. The 14 people who finished had their names put in a drawing, and one person won $1,000, while three others won $100! Unfortunately, I didn't win any of the money. A photographer from the St. Louis newspaper came out on Thursday, and a cameraman from one of the local television stations came out on Friday. We also had a few people from local radio stations join us for a 30 lap mini-marathon. Unfortunately, I don't think the park got quite the coverage they wanted because everyone was covering the devestating storms that came through.

 

 

We got in vehicles, and it was time to be shuttled out of the park.

 

 

After passing out at the hotel for a bit, I came back with Chris, who was at the park for the day. I needed to get my season pass processed, and I didn't want to ride any coasters (especially not the Eagle!), but Scooby Doo would do. Awesome dark ride.

 

 

We also rode the Mine Train, which nearly killed me. I had aches and pains in places I didn't even know existed. Someone on the train in front of us threw up, which brought back bad memories from the day before (which seemed so long ago).

 

After that, it was time to go pass out at the hotel again. For whatever reason, Dave and I had decided that it would be a wonderful idea to do Adventureland in Des Moines the very next day. The marathon was tough, but also a lot of fun, and I got to meet some cool people. Would I do it again? Maybe. But not for a while, though. And I probably won't be riding the Screamin' Eagle for a while, either!

[socalMAN123]

Brave man. I dunno if I could last that long on a PTC. It would be a fun, but rather exhausting specticale. Good photos, and I hope you enjoyed it besides throwing up and bruises!

---Brent

[bgwfreak]

Glad you guys survived ok. I've done 100 miles on a bike (when I was in shape) and I can identifiy, but my bruises probably weren't anything close to yours.

 

So you going to Texas next for their marathon? lol

[bigstevet07]

So, I am guessing the Boss is still extremely rough?

[Jonathan]

Some people think so, but I don't really have any problems with it. Then again, I've never had a problem with the Gerstlauer trains, unlike 99% of people.

[St.LouisBOI]

So, I am guessing the Boss is still extremely rough?

 

When has Boss ever been rough?

[bigstevet07]

I thought it was a little rough, but my friend had some back issues the rest of the day. I haven't been on it since 04 though. My wife's mom lives in St Louis and next week we are going down there. Only thing is my wife is pregnant so we aren't doing Six Flags. I was hoping to ride the new tower.

[steel]

Sounds as though you had a great time.

 

It's too bad Timber Wolf was closed, though. It's a great coaster and it's getting way better. It's best in the front, if you do get the chance again.

[Jonathan]

Click HERE to see the full gallery of photos from this day (115 photos), including high-res versions.

 

7/22/06

 

 

According to Myrtle, we are driving through the middle of a field. That can only mean one thing...

 

 

We are in Iowa. Yes, despite our long night on the Eagle, and our many bumps and bruises, we decided to make the 6 hour drive north to Des Moines, and a park neither of us had been to: Adventureland. The parking lot was completely jammed.

 

 

The entry plaza is nice, although a blatant Disneyland ripoff. We found that there were quite a few Disney imitations in this park (not necessarily a bad thing).

 

 

Spelling please?

 

 

Here is one of the park's new rides for 2006: a top spin ripoff. The park had basically every classic flat ride you can think of, but we didn't ride any. There were two reasons for this: the crowds, and our physical condition after 30 hours on the Eagle.

 

 

My biggest regret will probably be missing the park's old school PTC tea cups.

 

 

Adventureland is a very nice looking park.

 

 

They even had a street band.

 

 

The first ride of the day was The Underground.

 

 

If this thing wasn't wooden and made by CCI, I highly doubt many people would consider it a coaster. It does have two lift hills, and is powered by gravity, but then again a lot of old school dark rides are the same way. Short, and cheesy, but still pretty fun.

 

 

There are some very picturesque views of The Dragon and Tornado from across the water.

 

 

Yay another light triggered shooting gallery.

 

 

Time for The Outlaw, one of the first CCI woodies.

 

 

This coaster was smooth as glass, but uneventful. I could do a 30 hour marathon on this with no problems.

 

 

The first drop is pretty good.

 

 

The operators on this ride were really good. Despite it having one train (like all the coasters in the park), they were moving people through fast by getting the train in and out of the station in a hurry. The operations in this park as a whole were fantastic.

 

 

Saw Mill Splash was the first of the spinning raft rides. Unfortunately, the line was huge.

 

 

Oh god this kettle corn smelled so good. I ended up opting to get a coke float, though (which was fantastic).

 

 

Along with the tea cups, I also regret not getting to ride Sidewinder. It looked like a great flat.

 

 

Fabulous.

 

 

Am I really waiting in this line for a Hopkins looper?

 

 

The lines did give us time to admire our fellow park patrons. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of the group in line for Outlaw smoking cigarettes and sporting a "F*** me I'm white trash" hat. There was this guy, though, who we only could assume had just won the John Deere tractor race. On the way to the park we passed local cops at three roads directing traffic, and then we passed four tractors. We figured it must be a race. One of the drivers was wearing a Caterpillar hat and a bright hawaiian shirt. Very similar to this gentleman, in fact.

 

 

This was a frequent sight at Adventureland. Dave and I both agreed that we are glad that we don't live in Iowa, and we also agreed that Tommy and James would have an absolute field day at this park.

 

 

This little run to the lift hill is the roughest part of The Dragon.

 

 

The rest really isn't bad at all.

 

 

We were bracing ourselves for the most painful ride ever, but it was actually a pretty good ride.

 

 

Had the ride sucked, they put some fun house mirrors at the exit to cheer you up.

 

 

Here is Tornado, a Bill Cobb woodie.

 

 

Surprisingly, it was pretty smooth and a decent ride.

 

 

Some of the park's patrons looked like they walked in straight from a hard day of work on the farm.

 

 

Giant pigs are always a good thing.

 

 

So are rotors and water fans.

 

 

So are ducks.

 

 

Here is the park's other new for 2006 attraction: a frog hopper.

 

 

I didn't look, but something tells me you can't play any games for a penny.

 

 

Nothin' wrong with having bingo in your park.

 

 

Hell yes I've always wanted a Hopkins looper shirt.

 

 

Tackiest shirt ever. Perfect for Iowans! That's what you call them, right? Iowans?

 

 

I don't think many people read this sign.

 

 

This was the running of the bulls for the train. Basically, you push forward as much as you can, then when they open the gate, everyone sprints to try and get a seat.

 

 

Enjoy your ride on the Redneck Railway at Redneck Disneyland.

 

 

Oh wow a tunnel.

 

 

Hmmm I wonder where they got the idea for this?

 

 

Outlaw and kettle corn. The perfect combination.

 

 

Late in the day, the Outlaw crew was still having a good time. Usually my opinion of a park with guests as obnoxious as the ones at Adventureland would be bad, but the park was really so nice that it made up for all of that. Even with what I assume is a limited budget, they have made the park look extremely nice, and all day long I saw employees sweeping the pathways. There's lots of flowers, trees, and fountains. The coasters are very re-rideable, but none are that great. I wouldn't mind going back on a less crowded day when I could do all the flat rides and the water rides.

 

 

Terrible's Casino. The name really makes you want to visit, doesn't it? We drove out of Iowa as fast as we could, opting to spend the night in Kansas City.

 

 

Goodbye Kansas City.

 

 

Pretty. It was a fun trip, with a couple of great new parks. Adventureland and Worlds of Fun were similar I thought in the fact that they were both very nice parks with no real standout coasters. I had a great time at both, but probably won't go again until they install a ride worth making the trip for. They are definitely worth the visit, though, if you are in the area and have never been before.

[ECZenith]

You mean you guys actually have an indoor wipeout that lasts more than 30 seconds and doesn't try to kill you? Sweet! SFNE's removed theirs for a meet-n-greet area, I really don't miss it...

[steel]

^Yeah, it lasts more than 30 secs. It lasts about 5 min. I cannot stand that ride.

 

I have never seen lines that long at Adventureland. Usually, Dragon's line doesn't reach past the turnstyles, and SplashOver's doesn't even use switchbacks.

 

You should be glad you did not ride SplashOver. Certain places near your legs would most likely never forgive you.

 

Outlaw "was smooth as glass." *snort* I'm assuming you rode near the front. You certainly could not say the same for the back half.

 

You really should come back and ride Sawmill Splash some time. It's worth the wait. You don't get too wet unless the raft is weighed down at one end and you get a free foot massage going up the lift.

 

Sidewinder is also great. Second only to Huss Giants in the frisbee world.

 

It isn't Iowans who are obnoxious like that. Only non-coaster people whose home park is Adventureland. They think their park is the best in the world.

 

Personally, I am baffled as to why you enjoyed Dragon. To each his own, as they say...

 

I must ask. Where did you find those t-shirts? I have never been able to find t-shirts like that at Adventureland.

 

Yes, we are Iowans. No, we aren't all that tacky. Only the old-fashioned farmer-grandmas.

 

What, you didn't ride Space Shot? Best ride in the park, my friend.

 

I can't help but chuckle every time we pass Terrible's. I'm glad I'm not the only one.

 

Sounds like you enjoyed our little park. Glad you had a nice time.

[bgwfreak]

Nice report. I had no idea there were rednecks outside of the South.

[steel]

^Only the farmer grandpas and grandmas who live in little cottages on farms that don't grow.

I once was talking to a little kid in line for something. It may been MF. Anyway, I told him wher I live and he's like: "Iowa is where hobos live."

 

"Um... sure," I responded.

[bigstevet07]

The Outlaw is actually pretty fun in the back. That first hill catches you by surprise as you get whipped down it. The underground is probably the most disappointing ride ever. We went the opening season and it has all the buildup of being a coaster with the 2 lifthills, but then nothing. I refuse to call that ride a coaster. If that ride is a coaster, then Hershey's Chocolate World ride is a coaster.

 

Great report by the way.