Jump to content
  TPR Home | Parks | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram 

Chadster's Vacation Adventures: Final Edition!


Recommended Posts

  • Replies 753
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

I wish I could write TR's like this. Brilliant.

 

Thanks man. It honestly just morphed into this as the day progressed at the zoo. The captions, well those came courtesy of some help from my spring time friend, benadryl. It makes me loopy(er)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Today my adventure takes me to Rooster Days in Broken Arrow, Ok. I know what you are asking, what in the hell is Rooster Days? Well, I asked myself the same thing many years ago and here you go. It's the oldest festival in Oklahoma dating back to 1930 something as a way for farmers to sell their excess chickens. Yes, that's right. And since then the festival has morphed into food, music, parades(which thankfully I missed), vendors selling crap, and...Rides!

 

So now that you know something about it, let's get going!

 

Oh, and one more thing...even if you don't like cheesy carnivals...Please Comment!

2073718816_CockDays013.JPG.f6a97b6c9d7e63804e080ba85fb7dffe.JPG

Welcome to Cock Days 2012!

1729912906_CockDays001.JPG.a37cba5a61483f5e09b312cddb38fdf5.JPG

After listening to Roy Clark on stage, you just might need a funeral home...

1865826706_CockDays002.JPG.2da4ca992291145e2b9a2f33bb51fbd1.JPG

Typical crap on a stick. But oh so yummy :)

1478530507_CockDays003.JPG.d8dc727e324b174ce8c3282684b021dc.JPG

OHHHH!!! I get it! Very funny!

122778196_CockDays005.JPG.e1d3b3b3057b9ce89f3737c57052c2cd.JPG

Take note, the largest obstacle course in all of America was right before my eyes!

576148914_CockDays008.thumb.JPG.5c831ad6c1ba385fc9182ecb2662ee3b.JPG

Which was basically multiple giant inflatables put together to form something where your kids could wear themselves out.

387131643_CockDays034.JPG.708af94198b9ac8dc0ca4cba459264b7.JPG

Back over there was were all the food and stuff was. Honestly, too complicated to buy anything this year, even from the crap vendors. EVERYTHING required a ticket and some art for sale was $125. Yeah, I'd like $200 in tickets please?

1486767442_CockDays010.JPG.ab40626588a0db5e7c3cc86d22c9d08b.JPG

So on to the main event, one of two carnival lands provided by Pride Amusements. Yes, that's right, Pride Amusements has combined with Cock Days to provide your ride entertainment.

1999138970_CockDays015.thumb.JPG.36338fbec45623b8bcc9af299bfc9c20.JPG

These would be highly legal and challenging midway games.

1828916188_CockDays016.JPG.b31a55e5234f92ca7f151f13061a9967.JPG

Didn't they make a really bad city slickers knock off called wild hogs?

404335511_CockDays022.JPG.dad3c597deec3ef290799b9c94326d1e.JPG

Hey look, it's sizzler! Honestly one thing I like about this carnival company is they are not afraid to run their rides balls out.

348723593_CockDays029.JPG.61dbc104ca442085ee5861f9429ce997.JPG

AVALANCHE!! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!

1746462283_CockDays023.JPG.eeb71beade0046cf44b947e9ed6c67ed.JPG

Well well, what do we have here credit whores?

2126228440_CockDays024.JPG.86d5bdc763c5d12ac9c4c4b70bde6dfd.JPG

Oh hell to the yeah! (Note: Yes, I do fit on it...barely)

621379178_CockDays025.JPG.7d97461653419f0d2ebb0c95cf474e1f.JPG

True story, this non English speaking operator refused to stop spinning me around. After 12 times, I had to give him the cut off signal, which was about to become the middle finger...

628885248_CockDays028.thumb.JPG.8375d7b611efb266dd2f2159f086c13f.JPG

So anyway, if you are a fan of tail, this is for you.

70782218_CockDays031.JPG.13d9c11a465d672e0002f18e6704d59c.JPG

Most amazing ride evar! Not.

1393903973_CockDays032.JPG.5c942be57b4e9e0bd0a8459f45151773.JPG

This report has a little of everything, including this shot for nerds!

1809831894_CockDays035.JPG.cd62bdadf106cd2d6cfba9096c9128ab.JPG

Hey, look here, more rides!

1915307974_CockDays040.JPG.273023ea26db6c5daa69704f117ecdf8.JPG

I figured since you saw it from behind, you'd want to see it from the front as well.

158432324_CockDays043.JPG.8913870ada8c87a1c00a9d27be757fd8.JPG

Nice artwork on their generator.

125624740_CockDays041.JPG.c38d6e17d4a0fa035080fe95e2e7c630.JPG

Noted!

1179576766_CockDays053.JPG.b920fa1a628cccb8fa693090ffa7d9af.JPG

Never really cared for these, even as a kid.

30463373_CockDays054.JPG.007bf43b5751596d4f07d9682cc7b6fe.JPG

This is a new to me ride, unfortunately I couldn't ride it. Think enterprise wheel but the ride car of a swinging himalaya. They wouldn't let you ride by yourself and despite 15 minutes of trying to get someone to ride with me, I gave up. I only saw it run in test, and whoa, talk about spin and puke. Very disappointed I couldn't ride..

1232501868_CockDays044.thumb.JPG.7ccad6b8b4e4f513235c27a839a79082.JPG

Across the way from the grounds is the local Veterans Memorial. Speaking of Memorial, this Memorial day thank a Veteran, regardless of your political views these people sacrifice for us and deserve a thank you!!

 

Coming up Next Week: A special Memorial Day edition as I show my top 10 favorite parks!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Speaking of Memorial, this Memorial day thank a Veteran, regardless of your political views these people sacrifice for us and deserve a thank you!!

 

This.

 

 

 

This TR reminds me.. Fair season is upon us. Which means, whoring out sketchy kiddie coasters is inevitable.

 

 

Nice cock. Quite colorful. Wouldn't want to ride it, but..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

^I was too but apparently they can't bring roosters into the city like they used do, ironic eh? Another thing of note, they were selling turkey legs, but I don't recall any chicken being served except for one BBQ vendor.

 

The cock haus fully approves of the rooster festival.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

^I was too but apparently they can't bring roosters into the city like they used do, ironic eh? Another thing of note, they were selling turkey legs, but I don't recall any chicken being served except for one BBQ vendor.

 

The cock haus fully approves of the rooster festival.

 

These reports always soothe me a little: What you've in superior parks we've in superior carnivals...

Which is exactly why I coming to Germany within they next two years!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So this Memorial Day weekend I thought it would be nice to not only remember those service men and women who have paid the ultimate price or who active or veterans, but to also list my 10 most favorite parks thus far.

 

I'm not going to rank them as I don't really rank parks, but I do have parks that I like for various reasons and today I share those with you. So in no particular order, here goes!

 

 

1. Morey's Piers - Of all the seaside amusement parks I've been to, Morey's is #1 on my list. Spread out over multiple Piers they have a cheesy carnival atmosphere with a wide degree of varying rides that's just plain fun. Reasonable pricing, tons of food options on the boardwalk, it's a great place to spend a day and night, or couple with the beach for full weekend of mid week break from the rat race.

 

1923126314_MoreysPiers5_21.10005.JPG.62a765129dd065331e05dde8f1d7f435.JPG

A great family friendly place.

1137523056_MoreysPiers5_21.10002.JPG.a4cf16db2ca4d5ff1077db1b44295562.JPG

Rides for everyone. The coasters may not be the greatest but they are fun, even their SLC isn't all that bad!

 

 

2. Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Here is a park than combines culture, a few animals, great rides, and kick ass operations for the ultimate experience. I have found the staff friendly, good food and plenty to keep you busy for the day. Superb landscaping and friendly folks have me wanting to go back to try out their newest attractions. If you plan a visit, be sure to addon the Coaster Tour, it's well worth the $

 

Missed my Photo Trip Report on this park? Clicky

 

725108705_BuschGardensWilliamsburgCoasterTourMay162010090.JPG.eeb25f6a0038951f8266a460750f589c.JPG

View from atop Griffon looking at Ness

849521363_BuschGardensWilliamsburgCoasterTourMay162010262.JPG.10bb41b0834d1addc770172c8c092dbe.JPG

Two stellar B&M's.

 

 

3. Wonderland Amusement Park - Wonderland reminds me of my childhood park, Bell's, and for that it makes my favorite park list. The park features several old school attractions with a laid back atmosphere and a Bill Tracey dark ride knock off. They also have one of the few remaining original Himalaya's in the country

 

Missed my Photo Trip Report on this park? Clicky

 

891652371_Wonderland4.9.11023.JPG.1251dcb9aca74a1de9b9f05cc8f6c972.JPG

1970's small town amusement park feel.

1459738899_Wonderland4.9.11060.JPG.7ec9252e3404ae1e14d59353bb50bd70.JPG

Biggest reason Wonderland is on my favorite park list.

 

 

4. Six Flags over Georgia - Probably the best overall Six Flags park in the chain and certainly the friendliest folks. The park is well maintained and listens to their customers. SFOG features a decent coaster collection of various sizes and variety not to mention they have more than a few flat rides!

 

Miss my Deep South Bash report? Clicky

 

770631562_DeepSouthBash2011208.JPG.8b8fe179d2ef0fee1ba6859bb3f50e0c.JPG

Wheelie - Best. Enterprise Wheel. Evar.

164992816_DeepSouthBash2011153.thumb.JPG.56a1aa5940d69bc4366f5ff2b114c930.JPG

They have actual ride themeing!

1720916626_DeepSouthBash2011534.thumb.JPG.705dd22cac8f81738188ad1656a1bff2.JPG

Love.

807436646_DeepSouthBash2011692.JPG.27ad8e5dff3a9504dae68f2d845981ed.JPG

At least it looks good! Actually with the hand me down trains it's not bad!

 

 

5. Dollywood - What's not to like about Dollywood? Excellent food, the best arrow anywhere, a kick butt GCI, and now Wild Eagle! Don't forget about their reasonably priced virtual queue system!

 

Want to see my Trip Report on Dollywood? Clicky

 

412667105_Dollywood_4_29.11007.jpg.61f36e91c6980efe3a6a3568010ccc70.jpg

Love.

1602879756_Dollywood_4_29.11121.thumb.jpg.3317057a1ce3e4e0dfd93f6bc8ded4da.jpg

Wet.

 

 

6. Kings Dominion - I can't put my finger on why I like this park, I just do. My last visit, however, found the queue's full of trash and a general feeling of maybe not being safe, but that's just one time of many so I brush it off. Decent ride collection, plenty of flats, and a water park included make this a great destination while in the D.C. area.

 

2015392893_KingsDominion5_29.10029.JPG.f5e7f7302f33cbefa7b14a6086d5256f.JPG

They put on awesome fireworks shows.

631468730_KingsDominionMay152010030.JPG.10d2cdaad288d9b5aea6a5b36b86abef.JPG

Dominating Dominating Dominating

 

 

7. Knotts Berry Farm - Simply the best park in the Cedar Fair Chain. The folks are friendly, nice selection of flat rides, history, and save for pointless express, coasters. If you have not been, you are not an enthusiast.

 

Want to relive West Coast Bash 2012 at Knotts? Clicky!

 

1680087542_Knotts174.JPG.536194951fb6f41c293848005e1b2615.JPG

Blows all CF parks out of the water. Why? They give a damn.

1720916123_Knotts288.thumb.JPG.c3bd1e01a56b0be2d10f978b59732f00.JPG

Monty - best shuttle loop around.

 

 

8. Busch Gardens Tampa - If you could combine the operations of BGW with BGT you would have the ultimate park. Animals, exhibits, good food, good rides, and a very scenic park make this a top destination in the country.

 

Relive Busch Gardens Bash Here!

 

33793047_BGT096.JPG.da54120f8201e1a0d7f005f94e261f12.JPG

Well kept grounds and tours that take you out in to the wild.

1255310568_BuschGardensTampa10_15.11113.JPG.5afcd0ae3ded79ffb6266aeaf96bf72f.JPG

My #1 B&M Invert.

 

9. Silverwood - A very well rounded park with two great woodies, good flats, neat water park and one of the few places that have been able to keep a GIB running!

 

Check out my Silverwood Photo Trip Report! Clicky

 

1655516271_Silverwood6_26.11041.JPG.96f9231d79fabf2ab706426e44a9c324.JPG

Excellent Wood

1128208019_Silverwood6_26.11095.thumb.JPG.b8dba2a63e8c7d5072f53cc576a49aed.JPG

It looks innocent, but it will kill you.

 

10. Lakeside - If I had to rank parks, this would be in the top 3. I absolutely love the Art Deco all throughout the park, the nostalgia really takes you back. Is it a little trashy? Yes and no, the park is clean but it's old, and that give it character. The lighting worked on all of their rides which was a huge bonus as not many of the large parks really pay attention to that detail. On my visit a storm was rolling in which added to the atmosphere of riding the coaster, seeing the park lit up and lightning off in the distance. It was pure love. On my next visit to Denver this year I will be by passing Elitch and heading straight to Lakeside.

 

Want to see more Lakeside? Clicky

 

161425791_Lakside010.thumb.JPG.0d41bd00bd1263b84e3a7a438785ff5c.JPG

Surprisingly some really good wood!

3426231_Lakside122.JPG.9e7e599de097c5d7e219617c3f7067d0.JPG

Awesome art deco park!

 

 

I hope you enjoyed this look back at my 10 favorite parks. Chadster's Vacation Adventures is going on hiatus for the next good bit. A return to air date has not yet been determined but will be packed full of rarely seen parks. For those that want to follow me as I travel this summer I will introduce a special Facebook page in the next few days so be sure to come back for the link!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Out of the parks I've been to on your list, I have to agree that they are one of the best. Dollywood, Busch Gardens Europe and Africa, along with Six Flags Over Georgia. SFOG is definitely not my favorite SF park in the chain, but it does have positional, I could have visited on a bad day. And it's weird, but I have to agree with you about Kings Dominion. On my visit, the park seemed kinda trashy, but I still had fun. Most of the rides had a full queue, but I waited through them, and all the rides were just fun!

 

PS - I hope to make it to Morey's Piers sometime soon!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm glad that my home park got the #4 spot. It really is a great place, and they take southern hospitality seriously. I agree with you on Wheelie, my favorite flat ever! I believe the reason why the park is like it is because of the fact it isn't owned by the company but instead by the same partners that own SFOT.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I hope everyone has enjoyed this thread over the last few years, I've certainly enjoyed traveling and seeing the country!

 

If you wouldn't mind, to show your appreciation for the countless hours that go into creating the reports and videos for your enjoyment, donate $5 to my Give Kids The World fundraising page. It would mean a lot.

 

Thanks so much and check back later for a link to follow me semi-live on my next travel adventure!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Travel on Chad! There are a few notable / surprising omissions. At least one - Knoebels - you've yet to visit. This classic belongs on your list. So does Kennywood I'd wager. Seems your kind of place. Been there?

 

I too adore the Busch parks. They are close to perfect, focused not on numbers but quality attractions.

 

My personal list would include IOA / Uni Orlando as a single entity. Same reason - top notch coasters, but backed up by amazing dark rides.

 

Your listing of Dollywood and SFOG is adding to my anticipation. August can't come soon enough.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was weighing Kennywood as a top contender but in the end I think I need to give it one more visit to really appreciate it's awesomeness as the day was plagued with tons of schools crowding things up. Perhaps this time next year both of those parks will squeeze there way in.

 

I too am looking forward to August, still on flight patrol but hope to have that sealed soon.

 

 

So, want to follow me live on this weeks 8 day epic travel adventure? I've setup a special facebook page for just he occasion! Of course I'll be back in a few weeks with full updates as per usual with foto's not published on the facebook page so keep checking back. Oh and subscribe to this thread, it's worth it

 

facebook.com/ChadstersVacationAdventures

 

Looking forward to seeing some fellow TPR peeps this week, watch out, here I come!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use https://themeparkreview.com/forum/topic/116-terms-of-service-please-read/