paiging_jen Posted August 5, 2011 Share Posted August 5, 2011 There is absolutely NO WAY I would ever get on this thing! That's just insane. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParkTrips Posted August 5, 2011 Share Posted August 5, 2011 I don't know where I want to go more, that, uhh, "gentleman's" club, or that sketchy park... ps - I'm at least half shocked that the rides in the park didn't have the confederate battle flag instead of the modern American flag.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopper39 Posted August 5, 2011 Share Posted August 5, 2011 That park looks like Beech Bend, Lake Winnie, and Knobles decided to throw away their trash and this place bought it all from the salvage yard and reopened it. Amazing park! And great trip report. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99er Posted August 5, 2011 Share Posted August 5, 2011 There is absolutely NO WAY I would ever get on this thing! That's just insane. I'm not even sure it would hold me up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSchwitek Posted August 8, 2011 Author Share Posted August 8, 2011 Those swings were quite honestly one of the craziest rides I've ever seen. They did hold some full grown adults that were twisting their chains about 30 times around during each ride cycle, so I think you are good to go 99er. They also allowed some pretty hardcore kicking and bumping of chairs during the ride, which made it even more interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamminJ Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 lmao.. pretty sure this is the first Brookhaven Exchange Club Park trip report on the site. I went the next to last day of the fair and was hoping I could get all the fame and glory of having the first TR, but congrats you beat me. It is definitely a strange place, I really really liked it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSchwitek Posted March 7, 2012 Author Share Posted March 7, 2012 So I've been busy since last August. I visited a ton of parks, traveled a ton of miles, and moved to Oklahoma City. I suppose its about time to post some more pictures of the Mini's travels across the continent. I'll just pick up where I left off after my visit to Brookhaven Exchange Park. I decided to drive by the abandoned Six Flags New Orleans/Jazzland. I was actually fortunate enough to visit this park in 2002. I also decided to cool of on some waterslides at Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulf Islands, Mississippi. The water coaster was a lot of fun, but not really worth the wait. Oh, hello Alabama Adventure. My former place of employment the past 4 years may soon be hitting the history books. New for 2011, Buzzsaw Falls. So yeah, I helped build a ride that may have only operated for one season. Not my proudest moment. Hooray! Its time for my yearly August trip! First stop, Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa. I drove straight through the night to get here so I was pretty tired this day, but the park definitely had some interesting coasters. I also made it to Arnold's Park, in Arnold's Park, Iowa. Nice park with a very "old school" feel. Wild Thing! I made a return visit to Valleyfair to ride the somewhat new Renegade. Great coaster. Oh, and Steel Venom was new since my last visit too. More to come very soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skycoastin Steve Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 Was Renegade better than Prowler? Also, did they have a crazy ride op making silly rhymes and saying chomp, chomp, RAWR!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSchwitek Posted March 7, 2012 Author Share Posted March 7, 2012 I personally liked Renegade more than Prowler, but it could have been because i got a bunch of night rides on it which may have influenced my decision. As for the "Chomp, Chomp, Roar," the Worlds of Fun operators take the gold. I'm working on finding the video of that operator now. DSCF2789.MP4 So this video was only meant to capture audio, so pay no attention to the horrible camera angle. only Skycoastin Steve will appreciate this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skycoastin Steve Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 "Hold on tight, sit up straight, you're about to be Prowler bait....RAWRRR!!!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSchwitek Posted March 8, 2012 Author Share Posted March 8, 2012 My journey through the Midwest and the Northeast continue in this update. Six Flags Great America! Had to make a return visit to one of my favorite parks growing up. Can't wait to make a return visit for X-Flight reloaded. Oh, and there's a kiddie coaster nearby that I needed to ride! This is Haunted Trails in the suburbs of Chicago. Well here is where I began my amusement park career. This place will always hold a special place in my heart. Ha. Not the best indoor waterpark in town, but still pretty good. Castaway Bay! And in true credit whore fashion, I got my ride on another tiny coaster at Memphis Kiddie Park just outside of Cleveland, Ohio. Had to make a return visit to Waldameer in Erie, Pennsylvania to get my rides on Ravine Flyer 2. During this visit, a kid puked on himself on one of the spinning rides, and the ride operator took him to the middle of the midway and hosed him down in front of everyone. I'll find that picture and post it soon. Ravine Flyer 2, you so perty. So I stopped at Canada's Wonderland, but didn't get my signature picture. Later that day I traveled to a nearby, off the beaten path park called Wild Water & Wheels. The last Pipeline coaster (that I know of) was actually very fun. I got multiple rides on it as I was literally the only one at the park. I missed the picture opportunity at La Ronde because the parking lot confused the poop out of me. I traveled to Santa's Village the next day in New Hampshire, where I did get a picture, and another kiddie coaster. Just a couple miles down the road, I found myself whoring out another coaster at Six Gun City. Missed the picture at Canobie Lake Park as well, but Untamed was good, but definitely not the best Euro-FIghter. Later that day I found Funworld where I really whored it out on a dragon coaster. Quassy Park is so unique, and with a new coaster, I had to make a return visit. Wooden Warrior is great for its size, as everyone else has said. I also visited Adventureland in New York, but it was too dark for a picture, but I made it to Boomers right before close to ride a coaster and take a crappy picture. Six Flags Great Adventure added Green Lantern, so I went to get my ride before the Jersey Shore parks opened around noon. And of course I had to get a picture of Kingda Ka. I still love this ride. Now off to the Jersey Shore parks, but first... The kid getting the puke hosed off of him at Waldameer. Now that's customer service! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99er Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 ^That was a GREAT day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skycoastin Steve Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Mikey is the master of all credit whores. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Mike Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Dude, I don't know where to begin! I don't get much of a chance to read a lot of reports on TPR, especially whole threads by people, but I just had the best time going back to page 1 and reading everything you put up so far! It was a total joy and brought back tons of great memories! First off, congrats on the great car, looks snazzy! I see so many similarities between us, it's uncanny! You remind me of a younger me, and it is funny to see all the places you have been, all those little rinky dink places that I have been to and thought no one else would visit, but alas, you have! I used to have a nice, gold convertible and took pictures of it in front of things too, and I have been to every place you posted so far with exception to the 1 Canada park and the Brookhaven Exchange, which was originally what caught my eye since it is one of the last 27 places in the whole USA that I still need to visit that has coasters. I did not know it was only open 1 week a year, I thought I had gone to all the places like that, guess I have to do more planning now! A little jealous that you got the Sir Goonies credit, I am 0 for 3 on it and it is my most rejected coaster so far. The last time I went they said it was done, but still just sitting there. I did not know you had to be 12 or under to ride at Birthday World either, I just walked in and they let me ride after telling them what The Big Mike Road Show was all about. Kind of got a giggle when you said you were denied at Rt 66 Carousel Park too, one of the 14 coasters in the whole USA that I got denied on too! Well just wanted to say hello and tell you that I enjoyed all your efforts and reports, wish you much luck and fun in the future, and from one Big Mike to another Mikey, I am subscribing to this thread right away to keep up with your adventures! Peace, Big Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSchwitek Posted March 17, 2012 Author Share Posted March 17, 2012 ^^^ 99er: Yes it definitely was! ^^ Skycoastin Steve: I am a master, and I have no shame. Big Mike is pretty good too . ^ Big Mike: We are very similar! I have a little over 100 coasters left to ride in the US, and the majority of them are out of the way kiddie parks. I actually went back for a second visit to Route 66 Carousel Park at the end of the season last year, and was able to finally convince a ride op to walk over and let me ride the Go Gator. I told him I only needed to go around once, and he gave in. Currently, I am only sitting with only one denied kiddie coaster, the Dragon Wagon at Funtown Pier in New Jersey. I tried really hard, but failed. Many others have taken multiple visits, but I have been pretty lucky. Two things have helped me get a lot of those kiddie coasters - 1) I rode a lot of them when I was younger, 2) I work in the industry, so I actually know a lot of the management at parks around the US; and even where I don't, it seems to help with my persuasion when trying to convince a supervisor/manager to let me ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSchwitek Posted March 17, 2012 Author Share Posted March 17, 2012 So now its time to whore the Jersey shore. Speaking of that, here's a Snooki joke. Q - What do Snooki and Garfield have in common? A - They are both fat, orange, and love lasagna. Now we can proceed onto the pictures. Keansburg Amusement Park. The first of a whole lot of similar rides throughout the day. Next was Jenkinson's Boardwalk, then Funtown Pier, but didn't get the picture at either. Parking was a nightmare, and all these parks were super packed this particular weekend; so I missed a lot of photo ops. I did get one of Casino Pier on my way out! In true whore fashion, I conquered the kiddie coaster at Blackbeard's Cave. I arrived at Storybook Land just as they were closing. They actually let me in free to go ride the coaster after I explained what I was there for. Next up was Gillian's Funland, Gillian's Wonderland Pier, and Playland's Castaway Cove. These parks have some very interesting ride; and very carnival-like feels. The pizza and orange soda was delicious though. After this, I headed to Steel Pier, and ended up at Fantasy Island Amusement Park. Thank goodness a lot of these shore parks were open till midnight that night. Just down the coast, I found myself starting the day with another kiddie coaster at Baja Amusements in Ocean City, Maryland. What's this? Could it be? It is, it is!!! The last Boomerang I need to ride in the United States! Hooray! Thanks Trimper's for providing me with such joy. There were two Jolly Roger Parks nearby, so of course I had to stop by and get some coaster rides. This was Jolly Roger Amusement Park, and the other was right next to Trimpers and called Jolly Roger at the Pier. On my way to my next destination, I found an abandoned park complete with an old coaster just sitting around. Blue Diamond Park in Delaware. RIP. Next up was a quick credit run at Sesame Place. Thank goodness I had a Busch pass because I would have hated to pay the rediculous admission price for this little place. It was nice though. A return trip to Dorney Park to ride Possessed, as well as some re-rides on some old favorites. It had just stormed, so the park was dead this night. Lucky me. This day began at Seabreeze in Rochester, NY. The park opened at 11, but none of the coasters opened until after noon. I was slightly annoyed. The bobsled coaster here was very interesting. Strange park, but very pretty location. Back to Ohio to get my last credit in the state at Tuscora Park. This very small park took some major convincing to get on the kiddie coaster. Finally, a new ride operator came over and asked how old I was, and I responded with "how old do I have to be to be able to ride?" He said under 17, so I promptly responded with "Well then I'm 16." 2 minutes later I was happily making laps on the tiny coaster. The last park of this giant trip in August was at Paige's Crossing in Indiana. This was the last credit I needed in Indiana, so I made sure to stop by. Basically just an FEC with a few small rides, and other kids related stuff. Now its back to Birmingham for some rest before my next weekend trips. See ya soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Mike Posted March 17, 2012 Share Posted March 17, 2012 Very nice! Blew right through my neck of the woods! I still get a kick out of seeing someone else go to these out of the way parks for a kiddie coaster! Did you get or already have Land of Make Believe?? Peace, Big Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSchwitek Posted March 18, 2012 Author Share Posted March 18, 2012 ^ I have not made it to Land of Make Believe yet. That and Bowcraft are the only two parks I have yet to visit in New Jersey. I will be sure to visit both next time I make it up that way!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skycoastin Steve Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 My "Whore on the Shore" day last year was probably one of my favorite days of coaster riding I've ever had, even if the most exciting thing I rode other than Great White was a Flitzer (make that three of them). Credit whoring is a fantastic thing, I tell ya. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSchwitek Posted March 20, 2012 Author Share Posted March 20, 2012 The rest of my 2011 season consisted of small, 2 or 3 day trips whenever I could escape from work. Deep South Bash was one of these awesome trips, and was honestly one of the best park days I have had in a long time. Here are some of the highlights, and a couple left over pictures from my Northeast trip. Back at Seabreeze, I got up close and personal with a classic old woody. I also drove past another defunct park that I had visited about 10 years ago. Fun Spot Park in Angola, Indiana. I'm pretty sure this is still for sale. At Deep South Bash, I got some more rides on Dare Devil Dive Coaster! Random photo of Mindbender, but I liked it a lot, so I included it. The day after DSB, I ventured back to Valdosta, Georgia to check out what was new since my last visit. On another random trip I stopped by this little rinky dink place. Returned here for a quick photo op, but then off to the real goal of the day... Six Flags Over Texas! This is my new home Six Flags park, now that I live in OKC, and with rides like The New Texas Giant; I am thrilled to be within a few hour drive. Batman The Ride! And Golia...err, I mean Titan! And another classic, that is almost as good as the Mindbender at SFOG; Shockwave! And not too far down the road, a coaster was open that didn't used to be open very often. Of course I had to take advantage of this. Yesterland Farm! Another random weekend took me up the freeways of North and South Carolina. I always stop to check things like this out. Oh, and there is a park here! Too bad the coaster was lying in pieces in the corner. Now for the real purpose of this trip, Deadwood! This place is very unique, and I highly suggest you ride the train. Its a once in a lifetime experience. As for the kiddie coaster, the guy in charge has no problem at all letting adults ride. He even let me take a POV. Back down the coast, I needed to grab a photo op. at O.D. Pavilion. Hey look, there's a new ferris wheel in town! Hooray, and Family Kingdom is open too! This is the Swamp Fox. Oh Hardrock Park. Good thing I got to visit a couple years ago; This was actually a very good coaster when it ran. There are a lot of Go Karts in Myrtle Beach as well! Hey, I think TPR has done some credit whoring here before. My sister lives in Texas, and just recently had my first niece, Tatum. While she was resting from being in the hospital, I decided to get a couple new coaster rides in at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Goliath was new for me, and also was the last B & M in North America I needed to ride. Looks like that won't be the case after this coming weekend! Ah, the last trip of the 2011 season. I had always wanted to drive all the way around Lake Michigan, so that I did the final week of 2011. I stopped by to see the new Zippin Pippin at Bay Beach in Green Bay. Too bad it was 10 degrees outside. I'll be back to ride someday soon, I promise. Half way around I crossed the beautiful Mackinac Bridge. This seriously was gorgeous trip. Coming down through Michigan, I stopped to get my winter photo op. at Kokomo's! And, of course I had to get some new coaster credits on this trip. This is Jeepers in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Python Pit was coaster #675. Jeepers in Southfield, Michigan. THis was right off of 8-Mile road, and possibly one of the scariest coaster experiences I have had. I was pretty sure someone was going to steal my car, I got growled at by a group of teenagers in this mall, and I 100% witnessed a shady looking guy twirling a knife in the parking lot. Long story short, I rode the coaster and left in approximately 8 minutes. This Python Pit was coaster #676. Jeepers in Clinton Township was waaaaaay safer feeling. No issue getting on the coaster, and no worries for my life. My final coaster of the year was this Python Pit, at coaster #677. This concludes Mikey's 2011 coaster season. Stay tuned for 2012, as well as some trip reports from the past. I will be busy working at my new place of employment in Oklahoma City, so be sure to stop by Frontier City and say hello if you're ever in the area. I'd be glad to show you around! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Mike Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Dude, I was at Deep South Bash too! Bummer we did not meet up! You had a few pictures of places I still need, like O.Ds, Deadwood, Kokomo's and the Zippin Pippin! Nice to see what those places look like. I lived a mile or two away from the Clinton Twp Jeepers for awhile! Looking forward to your 2012 season! Peace, Big Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skycoastin Steve Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 Just curious, how many miles have you put on the Mini so far? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSchwitek Posted March 28, 2012 Author Share Posted March 28, 2012 I bought it with 25,000, and it is getting ready to break 90,000. So about 65,000 miles so far. 50,000 of those miles were within the first year. By the end of next month (April 2012), I will have had the car one and a half years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paiging_jen Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 ^ You're insane, but in a good way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skycoastin Steve Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 ^^That's just ridiculous. What kind of gas mileage do you get? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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