KDcoasterMAN Posted September 3, 2010 Share Posted September 3, 2010 ^I'll get a TR of Pierce's the next time I go! Best BBQ in the state of VA! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Khan Posted September 4, 2010 Share Posted September 4, 2010 Wish I lived closer and were able to join more regularly. Those trip reports really make me miss you all VERY BAD... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollin_n_coastin Posted September 4, 2010 Author Share Posted September 4, 2010 Thanks for the posts! Oli, it's just a plane ticket away my friend! Â Last day. We almost just missed the upcoming heat wave. This day at Kings Dominion was not only much more crowded than a few days ago but also extremely hot. We did a few rides and took off to grab a bite before heading home. Â A bit of our overall time at KD. Â Â Thanks for checking this out! 2010 Middle America coming up next! Oh, it's gonna get real hot! Really sad the Mystery Machine is gone. But, had to continue toward a new tradition of updating a pic in this spot. Kerry's is better. Deep down we're thinking: Holy Schnikes! It's Hot!! El Dorado! What's that in the background? You can see it through the trees, devouring its latest victims. Actually, Grizzly is pretty good! Now this, this is what we all fear most! Pain! It didn't seem as bad as back in 2008 Oh look, a drop tower that I dared not do. Sorry Kerry, next time I have to. Some more Grizzly! Help! Thanks! Love Grizzly! It wasn't even too busy today! How about a bit of.... ...love for Shock Wave? The least painful part of the ride. The great thing about this ride is the how it makes its way through the trees. Still a classic! We helped a dad with two kids that didn't want to ride by taking them on. Good deed for the weekend. See, this is what happens when it gets really hot out! Snoopy turns violent and eats Dominator! We escaped before Snoopy ate i305 and grabbed some Ruby Tuesday's. They've gotten a bit more fancy-like since last I ate here. That's all folks, thanks for following along! Bye Richmond! Up next...hello Minneapolis! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollin_n_coastin Posted April 13, 2011 Author Share Posted April 13, 2011 (edited) Kerry & Jason in....A Virginian 4th of July! Day 1 - King's Dominion Day 2 - Virginia Beach Day 3 - Busch Gardens with Chuck, Dave & Ice Bat Day 4 - Water Country USA, Pulled Pork and such! Day 5 - Kings Dominion, day 2  TPR's Middle America: The C-Jay Perspective!  Middle America Video - Random Clips  Day 1 & 2 - Iowa & Adventureland Day 3 - Worlds of Fun, Lambert's & Branson Day 4 - Silver Dollar City Day 5 - St. Louis Downtown (Arch and City Museum) Day 6 - Six Flags St. Louis Day 7 - Holiday World Up Close and Personal Day 8 - Indiana Beach  Ok, here we go!  TPR's Middle America: The C-Jay Perspective  I think after this trip, I only have the west coast left to check out in the USofA in terms of parks. What a ride it's been. Whoever is on Northeast or Road to Cedar Point is in for such a great time.  Moving further toward the middle, we had TPR's Middle America 2010 trip. I lived in Italy during one of the hottest summers ever and I can say that the weather over this trip was a serious challenger. We all rose above and beyond to get used to sweat stains on shirts and streams of sweat from the person in front on the Voyage flying into your face. Six Flags St. Louis took the trophy for humidity and heat beyond belief. Iowa heat is even better when Leslie Hall sweats into your bowl of pretzels. Now, from first impressions you may think that it's hot in August in Middle America. You'd be correct. But, none of this matters because it only added to fun and craziness that made this one of the most memorable and amazing summers ever!  Beyond the heat, there were the key ingredients of ERT, tons of help and flexibility with trip planning, amazing and friendly parks, fantastic company and some incredibly unique side trips to local attractions and food joints. City Museum and Lambert's anyone?? Here I am, almost eight months later, still smiling whenever I think about this trip.  I hope these pics can do some justice and hope you enjoy!  We'll start off with a patchwork of very random clips of the trip.  Up now, Day 1 and 2 (Mall of America, Adventureland and Worlds of Fun! My only pic of Mall of America since I arrived late that day. Buca de Beppo first timer! You go sister... Don't let Laura fool you, she ate both plates. Family style service! Very much like home. At least we didn't have to fight over who would be saying grace before meals..... This is aunt Maria on our Florida vacation... A cannoli, a cannoli for Ben! Was dinner good? Don't lie! Now, who better to follow this than.... The queen of cool and crazy, the keeper gems and all that is beedazzled...Leslie Hall! If you read these, thank you for coming out to meet us! Mmm, now this is something that you can only get at motels in the middle of corn fields in Iowa. Or, if you order online! Awww, so wholesome. Before the arrest... So far, no one has been able to take Leslie into the motel! Except.... ...Jon! Congrats! Hey, that's enough of Leslie, pay attention to us! Night became day and we saw where we actually were, truly in the middle of the corn. Across the street Down the street. Yep, a sign of what's to come! What an incredible Day 1! Up next, Adventureland! Edited December 31, 2011 by rollin_n_coastin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jray21 Posted April 13, 2011 Share Posted April 13, 2011 Awesome report! Bucca was amazing. I wish we had one close by. I totally forgot about the scratch and sniff Leslie Hall lady musk sticker! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jynx242 Posted April 13, 2011 Share Posted April 13, 2011 Thanks Jason! Too bad there were no pictures of our ride on Brain Surge! You did, however, manage to get a picture of me looking more possessed than usual! Wish you were going on this summers trip. Miss you dude! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollin_n_coastin Posted April 15, 2011 Author Share Posted April 15, 2011 Awesome report! Bucca was amazing. I wish we had one close by. I totally forgot about the scratch and sniff Leslie Hall lady musk sticker! Â Heya Joey, thanks very much! Ah, the lady musk. Scratch n' Sniff goodness for many I assume, they sold out! Â Thanks Jason! Too bad there were no pictures of our ride on Brain Surge! You did, however, manage to get a picture of me looking more possessed than usual! Wish you were going on this summers trip. Miss you dude! Â Thanks David! It'll be a strange summer no doubt, but it is what it is. Just come out to Texas Giant Bash! Yah, we need more Brain Surges, that was beyond bizarre! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollin_n_coastin Posted April 15, 2011 Author Share Posted April 15, 2011 Continuing Day 2 - Adventureland!  A great little park for sure with some amazing hospitality, classic and insane flat rides and the most amazing start to any coaster out there, courtesy of Hopkins!  I would have to say that the most interesting part of the day was being stuck in the Inverter. It always seems that I end up breaking something on the first full day  A great start to the trip, without a doubt! On to some pics! We're heeeeere! Apparently this is a little borrowed from Disney? The scene of the infamous fire. Rebuilding should hopefully be done for this season. Who says there's no chance of getting shacked up on these trips?? Huge fan of retro pop culture 'stuff'! Here we have Tornado. Funny, we heard the history of this from the nicest ride ops. I just can't remember a thing. I think it's a Bill Cobb ride? Happy riders! More happy riders! Looks pretty doesn't it? Don't let that fool you. That track in the background is part of the only ride that beats you before it even gets to the lift hill. Oh yah, I'm talking Dragon! It looks innocent, no? Loopin' it up! In all honesty, it was actually ok. The beginning truly is the rough section. Basically what one looks like after riding Dragon. Meanwhile, back at the tea cups.. These things sure made a lot of noise but didn't move that fast. Time for lunch! Is Jared home? IT's Subw...err..nevermind Another great coaster, Outlaw! Back to Tornado for a little "Riders in the Corn" action. A fantastic start, ending with a drink at the pig! But wait, it's not over, we had the evening at Worlds of Fun, which could only mean one thing..... Yes, you're right! Snoopy Starlight Spectacular! Oooh! Aaaah! This really was well done. This particular section of the park looked great. Hey...something is dragging me and my camera away! Hey, I need a pic of Snoopy! Hey..what...are....you!! I dont' know what happend. I was pulled to this spot and something forced me to take this picture, then some of us followed the path to see what it was all about. Oli came out of the experience, falling on the bench. Luckily, we heard that there was only one thing that could free one of its powers... Whaaat, you were expecting an exorcism? I was told to order some stuff capped, smothered and covered and all would again be at peace. Oh, it worked as advertised. An incredible day 1! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollin_n_coastin Posted April 18, 2011 Author Share Posted April 18, 2011 On to Day 3! Â This day was loaded with awesome! It had everything! Demon coaster, bread thrown at your head, extra large portions, rooms with mirrors, butts massaged in a 5th dimension, the Titanic, doves in bed, Bibles and drive by condom attacks (from local SUVs)! I mean, seriously, what didn't it have? Â Buckle up, here we go! Â We begin our epic day at Worlds of Fun, followed by a stop for a "tiny" bite to eat at Lambert's Cafe and finally, we end the night in Branson Missouri for wholesome fun. Unfortunately, the Yakov Smirnoff show was a bit of a walk so it was on to the next jamboree. Well, you can't have everything. Regardless, what a crazy set up to Day 4 as we awaiting the one and only Silver Dollar City! At WoF! Worlds of Fun/ Prowler groupies! The anticipation builds Smoker's Corner Although Patriot was having troubles, the park let us be first in line for opening! It does look good. It's also a pretty good ride. I love Rotors. There were a few on this trip. The strange thing is that in this part of the country, the floor doesn't drop down that far, two inches if any. The best one is...well...was at Lake Compounce with the floor dropping two feet or more. Meanwhile, at the other side of the park, Chuck is pensive. He is thinking if this is the safest (slowest) Swing Around ever. This makes it perfect for Kid Tums! One more look at the great Huss Swing Around. Love these. The park is really nice. But, the main reason to come has been a fantastic new addition. There it is, beyond the trees. The awesome and powerful... ...Prowler. Being TPR, we were able to take a closer look-see! Prowler groupies! Very happy riders. Coming Going A great place to geek out! and become closer... ...to the lumber you really love. Truly back stage! The crazy first drop! This is one of the more enjoyable GCI's out there. It was a ton of fun, especially at night. The expression says it all. Definitely a great addition to Worlds of Fun! Dinner and Branson coming up soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollin_n_coastin Posted April 18, 2011 Author Share Posted April 18, 2011 On to dinner at Lambert's! This place is a must eat, Southern cookin' the way one would imagine it to be. Massive portions, good o'l frying, welcoming and friendly. Â After dinner, it was off to Branson to get ready for Silver Dollar City. Yo, check this out. Boo! How about that for blue?? Thanks for allowing these Scott! We made it! While we waited to be seated, we took a walk to the grocery store to pick up some snacks and such. Jake and Bryan went all Tom Selleck on us. Just in case you didn't like the factory you bought. Some amazing stuff in that store! It was all about the food tonight. A beautiful day in Ozark, MO! After announcing the all you can eat prime AAA dinners, they called the Roller Coaster group in! Let's eat! Skillets the size of your head! Double D attack! David and Dave get the first 'throwed rolls'! Yes, they were thrown at us! Bread n' butter! Not Oprah Jason, Okra! Oooh!!! Chicken fried steak! I think these need to be bigger servings.... The food was really good. It just went on and on..bread an fried okra were bottomless! Happy diners! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollin_n_coastin Posted April 18, 2011 Author Share Posted April 18, 2011 Some say it's Vegas for Ned Flanders. They'd be correct. It is a surreal experience. Flashy, noisy, loud and yet somewhat wholesome. Maybe too wholesome to the point were local kids will have sin nights by driving around in their parents' SUVs and throwing condoms at us tourists/ sinners. No man or woman was safe walking these streets  Regardless, you can't argue that the folks who welcomed us were some of the friendliest and most helpful people around. A very cool and unique experience. Thanks for having us Branson! Along with the Bible opened to the psalm of the day, we had the dove of peace on our beds. Let's take a closer look, shall we? The bird was sending all the right signals. Roomie Oli had one welcoming him to his bed as well. Time to head out on the town! Beyond the Titanic, we had... The entertainment complex! House of Mirrors and a 5-D movie! Ask us about what the 5th dimension was and you'll never believe that it was multiple pokes in the buttocks. Err...that didn't across too well, but it really is how it sounds...with clothes on...sheesh After a great first night in Branson, it was back to find some drinks and relax before the big day at SDC! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krazekiddd Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 Damn my eyes are blue in that photo! Thanks for posting these Jay! I'm glad to see memories of the trip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cal1br3tto Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 This TR has made me and quite a number of times. So many great details to look back on. Thanks, Jason! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
televisedconfession Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 Love it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jynx242 Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 Awesome C-Jay! Lovin' it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Khan Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 Great start to this trip report. Middle America was fantastic. And even if I would say there were more "OMG coasters" on East Coast 2008, there were so many side details that made this one even better. It's crazy, but most of my good memories of this trip are not especially coaster related. OK ! Some exceptions ! Prowler is definitely one of them. and I admit it knocked me out that night Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollin_n_coastin Posted May 11, 2011 Author Share Posted May 11, 2011 (edited) ^Agree, but all the ones that were there were quite memorable in terms of riding the most interesting wooden coasters around. Some of them for sure shook us all up! Â After a crazy night in Branson, we got up on an especially humid day to check out an extremely charming and special place, Silver Dollar City. You could tell this was Herschend-run, akin to Dollywood. This, is a very good thing. I honestly think that it's next to impossible to pick one over the other. They both have this uniqueness and charm that is not that easy to duplicate anywhere. It's as if it merges the best of small family owned and operated parks with the best aspects of being part of a larger company. You'll just have to visit both and find out for yourself! Â On to some pics. I notice I'm a bit behind since Divv, Jake and Joey have jumped ahead Don't forget to check out their awesome TRs to get a true sense of how amazing this trip was! Are you ready to rumble? Without a doubt, this gentleman was. I've honestly only ever had an interest in car lifting, but to each their own.... Have you tried the stuff? It's amazing! Ok, I know I beat the pastries the size of your head thing to death in my Dollywood update, but they really are. Here, I think Dollywood had Silver Dollar City beat in the selection and dare I say it, size of pastries available Chirstiana's bo announced that the park is now open. We're off! I'm surprised all the smokers hadn't found this spot just yet. Just like Dollywood, there are a few hills, but wow is it beautiful! A huge surprise for me was how amazing Powder Keg is. One of my favourites of the trip. Group melt! Did I mention how hot is was? Ah Powder Keg, you rock my world. One of the trains kinda flew off the track? Pure awesome. We need more of these! A well-themed Screamin' Swing A bit of Wildfire awesomeness! This coaster may be a bit older but it looks great and is a lot of fun. Loop! Exhilaration! Moving on, Mike gets his eye poked out... Nick controlling the trains... Chris was of the mind that flatulence was the language of choice to clearly get your point across. I have to ask. Was there ever another time where a Brit seemed so out of place? Time for a quick break! It was off to lunch before checking out Marvel Cave! Edited May 11, 2011 by rollin_n_coastin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollin_n_coastin Posted May 11, 2011 Author Share Posted May 11, 2011 The foundation of Silver Dollar City, its first attraction if you will, was Marvel Cave. First used to house guano, it returned to its cave touring roots after the guano ran out, making it the perfect target for a TPR take over! Â I"ve seen small caves but never anything like this. It was really breathtaking. A comfortable spot in the line Any movement of air was welcomed...ok, almost any.. Our pre-tour ranger/ guide was fantastic! We all went to the rest room to avoid that "inkling to go a' tinkling". We start up higher up on Earth. and slowly... ..make our way... ...down.. Our awesome tour guide! The light peaking through sure created the coolest effects. Moving on to the 'shoe' cave Just when you thought it wasn't possible, we climbed down further still. This tunnel is Divv approved! Wow, it's really high here but wait....it gets... ...much lower here.... Time to climb back up How we all fit in there is still one of life's greatest mysteries! Just an awesome day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odene497 Posted May 11, 2011 Share Posted May 11, 2011 This is amazing to relive that exceptionally fun trip! Such good memories. "Moving on, Mike gets his eye poked out..." I laughed my way through this entire thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollin_n_coastin Posted May 12, 2011 Author Share Posted May 12, 2011 ^Thanks Nick! More coming after Texas Giant Bash.  Hey everyone, Speaking of Texas Giant Bash, there are apparently still tickets available! Are you still trying to decide if you should go? Make it easy on yourself and just go  It's going to be a great event. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Austin Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Didn't Olivier fall asleep in the wait for the cave? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollin_n_coastin Posted September 10, 2011 Author Share Posted September 10, 2011 (edited) Wow, summer is over and that means get this done before a year passes  Day 5 was one of the most unique days ever. Pizza, arches and fun with a serious chance of injury. Oh yah, the late night also gave me the opportunity to try that place with the small burgers for the first time!  So here we have it -- Pizza Hut, St. Louis Arch and City Museum. Oh and just in case you didn't think anything more could be crammed into a day, there was an unofficial White Castle take over!  Enjoy the pics! I dont' think they know what's about to take place... Ms. Ray is leading the way. Oh yah. That's the stuff! So, if you saw in the video, the Pizza Hut Staff were somewhat overwhelmed. We did fill up the entire restaurant. Elissa and Robb, among their many services, took over front of house duties! As you can see, lots of happy patrons! An awesome lunch! Time to move on to.... The St. Louis Arch! It was so hot and humid this day that I personally couldn't wait to get inside. The tram of choice! At least the US stimulas package let everyone know that it is old and that something could possibly go wrong? The pre-tram area -- a lot of historical information. St. Louis has a ton of 'early urban' history, being the site of one of the first areas that resembled a city. History is fun and all but this is more fun! Balance in life... Sup? Yes, there are girls on these trips! Lou is a bit pensive knowing that the tram is behind that small little door. Our "pod of doom" Made it! The ride up in the escape pod was definitely a highlight of the day. The top! Game on?? TPR is so loved that even complete strangers feel comfortable letting their children in on the fun! The view from the top! Here's another! After heading back down, it was time for an attempt at an artsy shot. Thanks downtown St. Louis! Time to move on to another jewel in your downtown core! Edited September 10, 2011 by rollin_n_coastin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollin_n_coastin Posted September 10, 2011 Author Share Posted September 10, 2011 Next up, the most insane place I've ever seen in the the litigious United States. How it exists is beyond me but I won't question it ever and simply remain thankful that it does exist. Â City Museum, up now! You don't see that every day! I think the story behind this place is that it used to be a shoe factory and all the chutes were left in tact. Since they looked like slides, what else could they add that would logically fit in? More things to climb on! ...some historic city facts and displays and a bunch of ways to potentially cause serious harm to you and your friends! Couldn't think of anything better! Random much? The best roof top..in the world, n the world. Don't fall in. School already? Pic of random bus on roof What's scary is I remember them looking like this in grade 1.. Complete with statue..oh wait.. Yah so, what the...? Made it to the top! The slide is directly under the climbing cage. Travis heads down to escape from the evil clutches of... St. Louis Mutant Mantis! More roof top pics Nice day for a ride... The dome of insanity. Where to next? This was insane, scary and just so much fun. Let's take another look at the tangled mess of insanity outside. TPR always travels in style. Back to the air conditioning! That means figuring out how to get back down from here... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollin_n_coastin Posted September 10, 2011 Author Share Posted September 10, 2011 It was late when we got back but we saw the glow of something called "White Castle" just a short walk from the hotel. Â I've heard it is a place of legend so had to check it out! What happens when you put an Aussi in White Castle? The same as with everyone else, we order a LOT of this stuff.. Pretty well at a take over, second in awesomeness only to Waffle House! Om nom nom Meanwhile, back at the Aussie table, Luke tells me he's ready for another order... It is quite magnificent isn't it? Jon takes a moment to remember Day 1 of the trip and his fling with Leslie Jolly jolly jolly! This is heading to a City Museum display next to the Big Boy in the morning.. Chuck, I think, was the only one who had a proper portion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollin_n_coastin Posted December 15, 2011 Author Share Posted December 15, 2011 Next up - Six Flags St. Louis.  This day was most memorable for it being hotter than hades. Aside from that, I thought The Boss was the greatest thing since sliced bread, especially that surprise helix of death at the end. I had the distinct pleasure of riding front row with Dave T on his first ride, which made it all the more insanely fun.  Really enjoyed Mr. Freeze and the backstage tour really interesting, especially learning about the amount of power it takes to run these things. I'd love to try out the park again on a cooler day  Enjoy the pics. Here we go! Kinda looks like the real thing, but not really. Backstage tour time! Le Boss? Our awesome tour guide, who oversaw this project. It was actually a bit cooler in here. Talking about the two track system Yah, we're where it's at. We're authorized. Oooh, buttons! Let's check out the power supply. Our awesome visitors for the day! Launch tunnel goodness Oh yah, the power supply for realz this time, back out into the heat we go. Juice up time! Time to get up and personal with Mr. Freeze Memories.. Excalibur! Springsteen, the ride. There she is, in all her glory. One more do over? I hear this is fun. But we melted in line before we got on. Then, it was off to Johnny Rockets where we ate... ...and ate. ..and ate. Hey, it was air conditioned... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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