QueerRudie Posted October 12, 2011 Share Posted October 12, 2011 Awesome adventure... I remember ions ago small parks like that all over the place, basically over-sized kiddielands with small coasters, and cheezy attractions around a central theme of... nothing. This looks like a better interpretation of these places, and one that's amazing to see all over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAL Posted October 12, 2011 Share Posted October 12, 2011 Did you sit on Santa's lap? Now that would be creepy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chroniq Posted October 12, 2011 Share Posted October 12, 2011 Thanks for another great trip report Chad. Your updates have helped me learn a lot about the smaller parks in America that I've skipped over in the past..Anyone can post a photo trip report of Disneyland, but your posts make me want to jump in the car and take a road trip. I encourage anyone reading this to take a moment (or an hour) and look through all of these parks and photos. It's pretty incredible. ... And now I know where to send my Christmas gift list too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted October 12, 2011 Author Share Posted October 12, 2011 ^ Thanks Chris, that made me smile! How many houses does that guy have? Infinte This looks like a better interpretation of these places, and one that's amazing to see all over. That's why I LOVE small parks, especially those with carny rides! Did you sit on Santa's lap? Now that would be creepy! I did Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted October 18, 2011 Author Share Posted October 18, 2011 (edited) Elitch: It's not to see. Well, I took a trip to the park on August 21st to see if it's not to see. The coaster lineup on paper doesn't look impressive, but I went in keeping an open mind, and, well, head banging was the story of day. Having not been to the park before I can't compare it pre-Herschend, but I can say I found the park to be clean with the feeling of fresh. From what I understand, it hasn't had a good track record over the last few years, but with the infrastructure improvements that it appears that they have made, they have an excellent foundation for adding attractions in the near future. One thing of note, looking on the back of my parking ticket, I found PARC Management properly displayed in the disclaimer, guess they are running out the stock which was obviously over bought; now we know why they are no longer managing. While I skipped the fireworks, I did manage to check out their Cirque show, more on that later. For now, sit back, grab a beer (or root beer) some nuts, and enjoy what's not to "see"! Welcome to Elitch! Come on in, we will see what's not to see. I won't be seeing anything form the tower, the wind shut it down. Inside the entrance gates, nothing to see here, moving on. Looking down mainstreet I didn't see many people around. I did see that it looked inviting. The wheel is in the perfect place, really. It allows you to see all of the park and had some nice landscaping around it. I see the spider's go go parts, which meant it would be difficult for it to operate today. I see a couple of nut jobs. Ahh, my next stop is over here I see. I really like these rides, as you can see it makes for a great photo op. I see headaches ahead. I can't see waiting this long for a headache. I see people about to get whiplash. I see headbanging! I see people in pain! I see people wishing they had not gotten on the ride and see people on a different ride enjoying themselves. I see my next stop. The boomerang is not to see. But being a whore, I went to see how it was running, shockingly, it was not all that good. This is the really the main ride I came to see. I did not enjoy it whatsoever. Not only is it slightly boring, it hurt my man toy. And that is something I did not want to see happen. Next it was time to get over my fear of this type of drop tower (note: have not ridden one of these since the KK accident) and see if my nerves would hold. Well I did it, and I have to say, the view was very nice, you could see for miles. Oh, and I'm over my fear of the Intamin cable. Of note, only two cars were running, the third was missing some needed components, like the shocks. As you can see, the park looks really nice. They just need better coasters... because this was not what I wanted to see, another headbanger. The 20 story walk up the stairs to the top of thing left me out of breath, but, I was able to see my fourth and final legal credit of my visit. You see, the kiddie credit was off limits, even with a kid, odd, being as Dollywood and Silver Dollar City let adults ride theirs alone. So, lets go in and have a looksee at their best coaster. This person made sure to point out the sign for me to see, so I was sure to make note of it and not break the rules. Want to see some PTC porn? Well, ok. It really was a decent ride, not intense, but it was good. I didn't see any bruising after riding, so it goes in the top 30 list. See, it was beautiful today out, not too hot, not too cold. See, look at those people, they were happy to be on the best coaster in the park. Dan would not like to see this amount of wetness, not acceptable. It was unexpected as a matter of fact. Walking around the back of the park I found a classic arcade and a few games. Do you see the banana? If you do, mine's bigger. You know, I had high hopes for this, but it just didn't go fast enough for me. See, faster is better. The staff at the park were friendly, the Thunderbolt op could see I had my camera with me and offered to hold it at the booth as I walked in. We'll see about that. They didn't. Fancy. Like Piers. Too bad he wasn't here to see this. To quote QueerRudie, "Nah....too easy" but, why not. Doubt you will see any ACER's up there. This would be a sight to see. Wonder what it does. Hell YES! Must. See. Being a Cirque fan, I decided to go and see this show titled Bosque. I went in with low expectations, and left quite surprised. Inside, we find the stage were you can see the setup for the first act. Three acts in all with the traditional clown walking around in the crowd making fun of people. The three acts included two guys where one laid on his back with his legs straight up in the air with the other guy balancing on top getting flipped around. A lady twirling from ceiling and a chair stacker. All were very talented and it lasted around 40 minutes. Props to Herschend, I hope many of you were able to see it this year. This was one of my favorite photos of the trip. With the wheel all lit up in it's bright LED's and the flag flapping in the wind, it was really a neat sight to see. Well, hope you enjoyed looking at what was not to see. I have high hopes for this park which needs a large signature attraction. With Herschend seemingly getting back to basics, lets hope something big is on the horizon. Edited October 19, 2011 by chadster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MayTheGForceBeWithYou Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Having been to the park once during the PARC era, I can tell you Herschend has improved Elitch's operations a LOT. Rides that previously were SBNO were up and working well, the park is a lot cleaner, and it finally feels like the park is getting the treatment it so desperately needed. While Herschend has improved the park, it's got a LOOOOONG way to go. What Herschend does next I will leave time to tell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jojo19799 Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Wow, there is a lot to see at this park. I need to go there. Looking forward to your next adventure. Wait, I'm in one or two of them aren't I? Oh man, how I miss snacky snack time! The whole trip was a blast, and that anal probe in Canadia is too true! Practice does make perfect And how did I miss this comment???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted October 18, 2011 Author Share Posted October 18, 2011 While Herschend has improved the park, it's got a LOOOOONG way to go. Fact. ^ I believe you are. I'm pretty sure you'll be featured next Sunday. I figure that will be a great day for a Packer Stadium Tour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueerRudie Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Another brilliant photo TR Chad- and it's interesting to see Elitches at the dawn of a new era- and one that I can hope will bring the park in line other Herschend parks in the country. (Such as that one in Tennesee with the Cinnamon Bread....) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted October 20, 2011 Author Share Posted October 20, 2011 ^ Thanks! I absolutley love the Denver area, more specifically Golden, Co. With cheap SW fares, I hope to make it back to the are next year and check out the alpine coaster! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted October 21, 2011 Author Share Posted October 21, 2011 (edited) 3 Adventures. 1 Day. 1 Sad and Pathetic Person. That pretty much sums it up. August 20th I set out to whore out two parks and ended up with a bonus Alpine Slide! (actually two of them) I'll start this adventure off at Heritage Square Amusement Park at Heritage Square in Golden, CO. (Yes, home of Coors and one of my favorite cities). The Square itself is made up of several independent vendors and store owners as well as three different outdoor attractions that include the amusement park. A Maze and a few other amusement style attractions are onsite but are not part of the amusement park or the Alpine Slide. The park itself has a mixture of family and kiddie rides and is marketed to families. Set in the mountains of Golden, this park offers a scenic view in a clean, laid back atmosphere. You'll be able to score two credits, a python and a miner mike, yes, a miner mike (Just talk nice to them) They actually allow two adults at a time on the miner mike, one in front and one in rear to allow parents to ride with their kids. They also have a tilt-a-whirl (I have a POV of the tilt below, yes, I'm crazy) featured in the classic movie "State Fair" one of mom's all time favorites. So here it is, park one on the day! Excuse my enthusiasm. Well, here we are, I'm already feeling a little...dirty. Two tickets please. Or how ever many it takes. I think I should stop here before I go into the park... Vegas shows in Colorado! And a little information for whores Aiight, so I got a few more tickets, I can't pass up a well ran Scrambler. Ahh, the "Celebrity Ride" Be sure to check out the on ride footage It's a great setting. Donkey rides! The mini golf course looked quite challenging, even more so with a little buzz Jeff Gordon trained here. How about a little porn for you wheel of ferris fans. NASA relocated the Enterprise test shuttle to the park. And the kiddie section, oh, wait, I need to go in here. Yes, yes I did. And I enjoyed every minute of it! But, to restore some of my dignity, I went over and rode this next. And that's it for Heritage Square! I need a nap, and a shower. Edited October 21, 2011 by chadster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted October 21, 2011 Author Share Posted October 21, 2011 Next up was a bonus in the form of an Alpine Slide. I've never been on one of these before, and I must say, I'm hooked. They have two tracks, a slow and fast. I slid down the slow one first and then hauled down the fast course. Here are some pictures and video. And no, I didn't count it as a credit Looks like this is the direction I should head in. Looks high. Noted! My brain hurts from all these notes. Well, on to the chair. Up I go! And we're sliding And we're sliding some more. This was actually really really fun I suggest leaving a lot of room between you and the person in front of you. Bascially they tell you when you can slide and to leave when ready Because if you don't leave enough room, the people in front get scared, slow down, and you can't go balls out. geeze, Noted Again! And the starting gates! And Noted! That's it for adventure #2! Be sure to check out the video! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted October 21, 2011 Author Share Posted October 21, 2011 Alright, last stop of the day, Mile High Market Place in Denver, Co. You'll have to pony up a little bit for parking; ride tickets are next to nothing. AND you might even take home a load of crap with you! So here is an overview of the park. Impressive eh? This would be where you buy tickets. You'll be out less than $3 bucks This would be the coaster to whore. Weeeee....um, wait just a damn minute. What is that over there in the red truck???? Well crap. I thought it was the beer truck. It kinda is I guess. Well, as long as we are here. Bud. You might also be able to find a load of crap somewhere in this area. So, out in the flea market you can buy....CRAP! They have ass on display so you can tell what the jeans should look like when worn. So yeah, there it is, three adventures, 1 day, 1 sad and pathetic person. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrygator Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 Chad - Do you really think you got your dignity back on a Python Pit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MayTheGForceBeWithYou Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 Haven't been to Mile High...I'm a sucker for flea markets, so I might have to check this out and whore a credit. Also gonna have to agree with Larry. While whoring on Miner Mike, you don't make up much on Python Pit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aimster Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 Enjoying reading your adventures! And looking forward to one I think I'll be featured in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thrillseaker92 Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 Did anyone else notice the sign at the Alpine slide that said "Maximum Capacity: 2 heartbeats per chair" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chroniq Posted October 21, 2011 Share Posted October 21, 2011 Not sure what this says about me. I really enjoyed the trip report, but the mannequin chicks wearing jeans was a highlight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gisco Posted October 22, 2011 Share Posted October 22, 2011 I think I remember having trouble following this rule when I was in China! Alpine slides are a blast, they need more of them here in the US. Here is a question, How many TPR members have been hurt on TPR trips on Alpine slides! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted October 23, 2011 Author Share Posted October 23, 2011 Chad - Do you really think you got your dignity back on a Python Pit? Well, maybe just a wee bit. Ok, your right. Probably not. Enjoying reading your adventures! And looking forward to one I think I'll be featured in. Thanks! Not sure when I'll do one from BGB, I still haven't off loaded those pictures! Did anyone else notice the sign at the Alpine slide that said "Maximum Capacity: 2 heartbeats per chair" I did chuckle when I saw that, but then I thought, hey, what if they are siamese twins with two hearts and they want someone else to ride with them, then it would be three heartbeats. Not sure how you would sort that one. ...the mannequin chicks wearing jeans was a highlight. It was seriously the best part of the flea market. I think I remember having trouble following this rule when I was in China! Alpine slides are a blast, they need more of them here in the US. Here is a question, How many TPR members have been hurt on TPR trips on Alpine slides! I had a guy in front of me on the fast track slowing down on purpose so his wife could catch up to him(who was on the SLOW track), so, I hit him. But I agree, they are a blast! Packer Fans rejoyce, I'll have a tour of their historic stadium posted...tomorrow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadster Posted October 23, 2011 Author Share Posted October 23, 2011 With the NFL season well underway and the NBA season not even on lifesupport, I thought, this is the perfect time to share with everyone a behind the scenes tour of Lambeau Field Now those who read my reports from time to time know that normally I, well, travel alone. But not this time! JoJo1979 caught wind of my desire to travel to Green Bay to visit Bay Beach (coming soon!) and said hey, I want to come too! So on the morning of Sept 10 we met at the stadium, obtained tour tickets, and headed for the atrium and the historic home of the Green Bay Packers! Well, here we are folks, at the stadium of the only publicly owned team in the NFL. The fith sale of their stock was recently approved, so you too can be a team owner for around $200 a share. Just beware that the stock is, well, worthless. (Not being mean here, financially it's bascially a donation, read more on their website.) This is where the fortunate get to party, or those with tickets. When you walk in you hear this hollywood movie soundscape in the tone of "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" (not really, but you can pretend to hear it if you want to) Those who do not have money, enter here. The famous Atrium. Without it and all of the improvements that came with it, well, the team might just be a memory. The atrium and associated meeting space has helped the team stay in the black. The Hall of Fame is this way, for a little extra on the ticket price you can view all the team memories and, yes, even the Superbowl Trophy! Since we have a little time to kill before the tour, let's have a look around. The gift shop had everything. Pens, pencils, GBP Sharpies, hoodies, and limited edition Superbowl merchandise. They even had this self help book! Now we play a little game called "Things that Sound Dirty but Really Aren't" First off, Goin' Deep That would be a pizza outlet. Not, well, you know. Next we found the "Meat Packing" Co. Combine the two and you get "Pack it Deep" but I digress. And finally the dirtiest, nastiest, most disgusting, and final entry of our little game, "Boomerang" Cafe. It's keeps you coming back, but not me. I'm a one and done on boomerangs. So it was time for our tour, first stop, the Packer's personal suite. I was actually surprised it wasn't center field, but, the view was still very nice. Want to rent it out when its not being used? Well, you can for about 40k. Includes admission for 40 of your friends, VIP parking, and food. Next we went underground. Cool stuff resides in here. The coaching staff parks in this area. I was told by the alternate tour guide that they know if the team is going to practice that day by whether or not the coaches cars are there. They were not. Important stuff happens in there. As Seen on TV! Get pumped, it's time to run out on to the field. They simulated game day music and crowds as you walked down the tunnel. Well, I guess we won't be storming the field afterall The field is made up of a blend of real grass and synthetic grass. One of these things does not look like the other, one of these things is not the same. The synthetic grass was sewn into the field with a huge sewing machine. True Story! Most of the people who clean up after game day are school kids. While the team does pay for their services, the money usually goes to their school club, etc. If you are a loser, you take this tunnel. From ground level. From the stands. Noted! 6600 new seats will go in this area, with new lights and HD scoreboard. Some of the money you donate to them by purchsing stock will go to this cause. Well, I hate to say it, but that's pretty much the end of the tour. After we left the field, we went onto the concourse where tens of thousands of beer cans, soda cans, and bottles were bagged up and ready to be sent to the recycler and were dropped back off at the Atrium. It was a neat experience. Plan about 90 minutes to two hours depending on how much time you spend in the gift shop and if you go to the hall of fame or not. So for you Packer Backers, here's hoping for a perfect season! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jojo19799 Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 This was my first stadium tour and it was awesome!! Yes I'm a little biased since I am a Packer fan. I need to get back up there to see the trophy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philrad71 Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Thanks for sharing, Chad! What they have done to this stadium is awesome...makes the Ralph here in Western NY look like a piece of crap! They have talked about major renovations for our stadium, but I still like the idea of building one on the Lake Erie waterfront near downtown Buffalo. I would think that it would revitalize the downtown area...even if only on weekends and during special events. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meteornotes Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Thanks for posting this. I highly advise anyone with even the slightest interest in football to go to a Packers game once in your life. It was easily the best live sports event either of us had ever attended. The atmosphere at the game is much more like a college game than a pro sports event, and the crowd is TOTALLY into the game, which just makes it so much fun. Plus everyone was so nice! I witnessed no drunks, no fighting, no one being obnoxious, just people at the game having fun. Considering that I'm pretty sure I've seen some almost attempted murders at Eagles or Ravens games, this was a nice change! The HOF tour is cool too, especially if you're a Packers fan. Again, I really recommend people checking the stadium out, and going to a game. It's an experience you won't forget. dt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrygator Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 I never considered taking this tour any now, but now it's something I'll think about in combination with Bay Beach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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