WildStangAlex Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Hey everybody! Yesterday I went to Indiana Beach in Monticello, IN. One of my favorite little parks. It wasn't the greatest day weather wise, but that didn't bother us one bit. Once there we parked in the South (Free) lot, got our POP wristbands and headed towards Musik Express. It was running really fast it seemed. Our day consisted of many rides on many different rides, a lunch of Indiana Beach tacos, and some rain. Did not play any games today, as much as I love them. In case you haven't hear/read, Indiana Uses a new Wristband/Cash card system. Wristbands now have bar codes on the which you must scan for every ride. When I asked for the reason I was told what I expected. It's for checking capacity instantaneously, making sure wristbands are authentic, and assigning staff according to which attractions need more staff. The cool cash cards can be purchased virtually anywhere and reloaded in most arcades with cash or credit/debit cards. These cards are accepted EVERYWHERE in the park and are even used on games (including FASCINATION). If you win a game, the ticket amount is automatically credited to your card without needing to wait after the game for tickets. That was a VERY nice feature. It also made redeeming tickets faster and easier for the arcade ladies. I like the new systems a lot, it really shows Indiana Beach is modernizing, and making it easier for guests to spend money . Onto the park. There was not a heavy crowd, but there certainly was a good amount of people for a Sunday. There were fireworks in the evening, so that could be a contributing factor. It was also Oktoberfest, so they played POLKA throughout the park, ICK. We got on all 6 coasters. Hoosier Hurricane was especially fun this time, and I don't know why but it seemed smoother and had more air than I can remember it ever having. Cornball gave an awesome ride as well. Lost Coaster seemed to have more effects working and also appeared to have had some track work in the inside part of the ride. I just wish they could get a second train working for that ride to help the line move. Steel Hawg was just as fun as it always is, I still think it was the perfect addition in 2008. Galaxi and Tig'rr ran as expected, nothing new there, except seatbelts on Tig'rr . The 3D motion theater is now gone, thankfully, because it was an eyesore. Double shot is Still my favorite ride in the park, and one of my favorite drop towers. It is VERY powerful both on the up and especially on the down shots. Incredibly smooth and very enjoyable, especially the location within the park, right on the water. Although the water park was open, it did not appear to have many customers. I think they should re-route the queue for Double shot behind big flush to include big flush in the water park. That only makes total sense to me, anybody else? I mean, you do inevitably get wet on it anyways. My Tacos were amazing, as expected. Overall it was a fantastic park experience. We left just before 5 because it was raining and only getting heavier. I'm happy for what Morgan has done with the place, and I see it getting better and better under their management. Now, onto the pictures, enjoy! I leave you asking you to put another $.50 into this game because you know, just KNOW you can win it Hope you enjoyed! Hoosier Hurricane goodness Musik Express go right round baby right round Signature Indiana Beach shot. very fast, very fun This death trap still scares me You can buy fruity, sugary water in portions < or = 3 ft LoCoSuMo was closed in the rain I LOVE YOU WARNING: Do NOT ride after Cheesy Ribbon Fries with Jalapenos. Just DON'T DO IT! Scrambledeggs1 I love this swinging ship I didn't know everyone named Bob could fly...I should change my name! The entrance to the Galaxi Got Soap? Check. Rubber Duck? Check. Bath time! Boardwalk Funway Here you can buy a pretzel. Imagine that... Golf de Mini The roof lounge once hosted great bands including "The Who" No really, it did! ...told you Beep Beep, YOU ARE IN MY WAY to getting an ELEPHANT EAR Tilt a Hurl Antique Autos cruisin along. Don't Snap Please "Soarin" over Lake Shafer Action shot, with Air Crow in it! Cornball Express! Skyride. Menard's must have had a special on Pastels last Spring when everything was painted Speed slide tower more water park "Ideal Beach" I don't know about you, but my ideal beach is somewhere in the Caribbean, not somewhere in a Cornfield Big Flush, which should be a part of the WATERPARK since you get WET on it! I think I'm on this cycle Me with my "adopted" family for a picture on Double Shot. I don't know why the smiled for the picture, but it's pretty cool! Double Shot of Amazingness! What fascinates me is how it smells like smoke in Fascination all the time, and there is no smoking inside. Tig'rr love. RAWR! Hurricane and Cornball Yumminess I think the "Gold" fish got lost in Lake Shafer and ended up with the Carp Cornball Express station Upside Down- 180 Degrees! Obligatory opening Steel Hawg Shot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildStangAlex Posted September 7, 2009 Author Share Posted September 7, 2009 Might I add, that anybody going to Indiana Beach, must be sure to stop at Delta Cone along the way. They have the BEST friend Chicken and BEST milk shakes I have ever had. Their prices rock too $) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLIPDUDE Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Awesome TR! I personally like that those slides aren't part of the waterpark, because I wanted to ride them, but didn't really hav eneough time to hit the waterpark. It's nice to have access to a water ride that doesn't break your thumbs(*COUGHlogflumeCOUGH*) without having to go changing into a swimsuit. I miss IB, and really want to visit it someday. You're the first person I heard say that the park got better since it was bought. Or is Morgan a different company than the camping one that bought it from the original owners? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceace12 Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Morgan is the company that bought it Tommi. "Ideal Beach" I don't know about you, but my ideal beach is somewhere in the Caribbean, not somewhere in a Cornfield Ideal Beach was the name of the park originally. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Beach Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildStangAlex Posted September 7, 2009 Author Share Posted September 7, 2009 You're the first person I heard say that the park got better since it was bought. Or is Morgan a different company than the camping one that bought it from the original owners? Morgan is the RV resort company that bought them last year. What I like that they have done: Introduced pre-paid cash cards Introduced coded wristbands to prevent people from sneaking on rides Painted nearly everything in the park Closed the parking lot under Hurricane and made it a midway Removed the 3D theater **Steel Hawg** (with 3 train operation) More professionalism among employees Enforcement of smoking rules Brought back "Ideal Beach" and "Boardwalk Funway" More landscaping Things that most people don't like about the takeover: (slightly) higher prices Only 1 P.O.P pass for all day instead of 2 sessions Removed some signage for more professional signage Wristband system Overall I think the place is much better than it was 2 years ago, and I still think they are on the right path with the place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceace12 Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 I do have to disagree with it being better than 2 years ago. It is better than a year ago though. Morgans did not add Steel Hawg though, the previous owners bought it and it was added in the middle of the transfer. Also, the parking lot below HH had to be closed due to placement of SH. I really don't have an opinion on the ride session other than I like it. The wristband system could be better, I think it is more time consuming to scan each individual wristband than what was there before. If they had moved to one ride session and kept the old wristbands, people sneaking on wouldn't be a problem. I also liked all the unique signs of the place, it added charector. With today being the last day open for the year, I guess I won't be getting back up there this year. My one visit this year was pretty good though, nothing like when the Specman's owned it though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginzo Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 I preferred IB when the Spackman family ran it because they put on a REALLY good enthusiast event. The one offered now looks like a major downgrade. As for the park getting more professional and organized, I think the laid back way they ran it added to the charm. Very nice escape from the "WELCOME BACK BLAH BLAH BLAH RIDERS, HOW WAS THAT RIDE???" obnoxiousness of many big corporate parks. Are the changes a big deal overall? Nope. IB is still one of the better parks in the midwest and that isn't likely to change any time soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiSab Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Great pics. Looks like you had a good time even though it was rainy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildStangAlex Posted September 7, 2009 Author Share Posted September 7, 2009 I guess I will never understand what people liked about the previous management. The place was basically a free for all. Employees didn't seem properly trained, rides seemed poorly maintained and the place, in general, seemed dirty. Now, all of that has changed. There's a lot less employees slackin off on the job now, and it seems much better managed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monsterfan99 Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 I really don't have an opinion on the ride session other than I like it. The wristband system could be better, I think it is more time consuming to scan each individual wristband than what was there before. If they had moved to one ride session and kept the old wristbands, people sneaking on wouldn't be a problem. I noticed how slow they were with the wristband system on the woodies. Each cycle was around 5-6 minutes. A good minute of that was the scanning of the wristbands even after the train got into the station. This would not have been a problem if the person scanning was also in charge of checking the seat belts. It didn't seem to be too much of a problem on the rest of the rides. PS I think I saw you yesterday Alex. I was in front of you in line at Lost Coaster with a beard and Beast shirt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildStangAlex Posted September 7, 2009 Author Share Posted September 7, 2009 Yes I did see you. I'm glad I rode in the morning, because the line got real long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palmerleeberry Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 "Ah, Indiana Beach, the park I visited last month and enjoyed myself. I only regret that I didn't stay longer, but maybe on my next trip." I enjoyed seeing your pictures, but I do have a few questions/comments: 1) Even though I didn't care for the water park, I did notice that the speed slide was closed. Was it still closed when you snapped that picture? Do you know whether or not they will reopen it or just take it out? 2) The area underneath the coasters looked and felt unique: I mean, here you have kiddie rides on the ground below while the adults climbed the stairs to ride the Hurricane and the Cornball Express above them. 3) As a single rider, I had no trouble getting on and riding the rides except the Scrambler in which I had to have a partner. Any idea why this park will establish this type of rule (I mean, I ride lots of Scramblers by myself in other parks with no problems)? 4) Heard in Dr. Frankenstein's Castle: "I'm just a hanging around . . ." 5)I love the Tig'rr and Galaxi coasters in this park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildStangAlex Posted September 8, 2009 Author Share Posted September 8, 2009 I don't know if the speed slide was operating, as there were next to no people in the water park. I also found the Scrambler rule to be a bit odd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thrillerman1 Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 The Scrambler rule may be because of several accidents (such as the one at Rye) that have occured with single riders who had more than enough room in the car to get positioned on their knees and were subsequently flung out. I'm not sure if that's possible with more than one rider per car, but it probably makes it harder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildStangAlex Posted September 11, 2009 Author Share Posted September 11, 2009 That would make sense. They probably do have that problem there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedten Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 Double shot is Still my favorite ride in the park, and one of my favorite drop towers. It is VERY powerful both on the up and especially on the down shots. Incredibly smooth and very enjoyable, especially the location within the park, right on the water. I'm partial to the double shot in the southern indiana, but they're both great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildStangAlex Posted September 11, 2009 Author Share Posted September 11, 2009 Double shot is Still my favorite ride in the park, and one of my favorite drop towers. It is VERY powerful both on the up and especially on the down shots. Incredibly smooth and very enjoyable, especially the location within the park, right on the water. I'm partial to the double shot in the southern indiana, but they're both great! The one at HW, when I rode in 2006 was rather tame in comparison, which is why I preferred IB. Love the 2nd Shot down! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesdillaman Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 I have to agree that the IB Double Shot just seems a little more intense than the HW one. Although location alone gives IB the edge, with it being right on the lake! -James Dillaman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedten Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 If you ever get to sit on the backside of the one at HW and watch the operator in the second story window of the house you'll see why I personally prefer that one. The one at IB is great too though, especially when you get rerides without leaving your seat! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildStangAlex Posted September 14, 2009 Author Share Posted September 14, 2009 Rerides don't happen any more And location is what makes it so great too, in addition to pure force. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedten Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 I was lucky enough to get a reride this summer on the IB double shot, and we may have even gotten more if we didn't want to move on. They didn't even make us re-scan our bracelets! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildStangAlex Posted September 14, 2009 Author Share Posted September 14, 2009 That's impressive. I'm jealous! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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