Chadster's LeviatTHON TPR Tour Adventure!

[chadster]

After loading our soggy butts back onto the bus the tour headed to one of the two most anticipated parks of the trip, for me at least, Waldameer! Why you ask? Well duh, Bill Tracy dark ride and Ravine Flyer II.

 

Waldameer is the type of park I would want in my backyard as it contains the perfect mix of old school classic and new rides. While the park has no plans to ever put in a ride that goes upside down, they do plan to at some point in the future acquire additional land to expand that park further. But even if they don't expand, I'm happy with today's Waldameer with friendly folks, fast operations, and the overal atmosphere that only a family owned long operated park can give. Waldameer is on my must re-visit multiple times list, that's for sure.

 

So what happened on this day you ask? Fun, and lots of it....

 

Welcome to Waldameer!

Gates? Where we are going, we don't need no gates.

Kas says "Welcome to Waldameer's Wacky Shack!"

Joe and Fran are ready to get spoookafied. Spookafied is a word, pho sho.

Jump through the squares!

Can you guess what attraction we went to next? Post and tell me! I might give a map or something else away.

Classic American park. Love. F&B prices were far less than the corporate chain pricing. The park is also cashless meaning you must pay for everything with a preloaded card or your credit card. It was explained to us since going 100% towards this system that they have been able to recover stolen items using the time stamps on the cards. After the items were recovered they took the perp's out back for an mobster style beat down. True story.

Yay for spinning mouse!

The Crouse's are ready!

And so are the other Crouse's. Hope you don't die!

Chris "I do what I want" Con said the mouse was too intense for him. Clearly he's been hanging out with Elissa too much.

Speaking of hanging out....

Does the log flume A. provide an acceptable amount of stinky wetness or B. provide an unacceptable amount of stinky wetness

If you answered B. You would be correct.

So what better way could we celebrate our new found stinkyness than a TPR takeover of Comet! The Comet crew gets 2 thumbs up, way up.

Put your hands in the air like you just don't care

Yay! What an awesome classic ride Comet is. We liked to much that we whored that thing out over and over!

But after a long day of walking we had to find our horses and give them beer.

"This one time, at band camp, I stuck a...."

"Wake me when it's over"

We had just the remedy for Jake!

Of course these whores really liked it....in the rear.

Edited August 4, 2012 by chadster

[chadster]

Hmmm, so what else did we do at Waldameer....

Oh yeah.

We did this. Nerds - Ready. Aim.

Fire!

It's photo walkback of the Ravine Flyer II time!

I've been on several walkbacks, but none that have allowed us to get this close to an operating ride.

Seriously, this close.

Big motor make ride go 90 degrees.

Chris "I'm a dork" Con

Impressive.

Really, this was just insanely close.

The only way you can get this close is to A. break in illegally or B. Go on a TPR Tour next year.

Limbo lower now.

 

Oh, and the answer is B.

So this is how they do maintenance on the wheels, cool, eh?

Pardon us, sorry, excuse us, pardon us, just a moment please, sorry, thank you for waiting.

"This is so effing amazing!"

Don't whack you head on the air gates!

I've seen a lot of nuts in my time...wait. That didn't come out right. Dammit! I give up.

From the 'did you know' series. The park has a heater installed on the platform to warm things up for pre-season testing and for when needed to get the train warmed up. Too cold and the train no worky.

Also from the "did you know" series, the park has never replaced a single steel wheel on the ride.

Yuup.

Noted!

Don't fall out!

High five!

Hi Comet!

"We sent the train, it didn't come back"

Pretty awesome paratrooper down there.

After the tour it was time to have a little fun!

Charlie's Angel's forgot their pose.

OK, we really tried to figure out WTF this was but couldn't.

And for making fun of the musical, some of us paid the price.

Chris has that "I'm cheating" look going on.

And finally, TPR TAKEOVER!

But now it's time for ERT on Ravine Flyer II. Goodnight Waldameer and thanks for a great day!

Edited August 5, 2012 by chadster

[PAL]

It figures you loved Waldameer for its old school charm. How did you like RFII? Make me jealous enough - maybe I'll get there in a couple of weeks.

[chadster]

RFII was running well but the tunnel, like on Voyage, give me a slight headache but nothing ear plugs won't take care of. We were told it was going to get retracked in the offseason although it doesn't really seem to need it to the extreme others in the world might.

Edited August 4, 2012 by chadster

[chadster]

Day 3 brought us to two parks, the first was Darien Lake. DL still has many of the remnants of Six Flags ownership in the color scheme and naming conventions. On our visit it was also plagued with ride downtime seemingly also left over from the days of Six Flags, an issue that can take a lot of money and time to recover from. Thankfully Herschend has taken over and will soon right the ship. The two major areas I hope they focus on are ride maintenance and food.

 

I didn't take time to tour much of the park as it took us about 4 hours to get 6 credits, 5 if you don't count Ride of Steel as we had morning ERT on it. Predator opened late(it happens) and sent one train around (thankfully we were on it) before going down for about 30 minutes to remove a problematic train. We headed to boomerang and found it not operating as well. We found motocross which was operating but went down with only 20 people in front of us and we were forced to leave the queue. By lunch we had 4 credits under our belts and went back for the SLC....which was down. Once the SLC came back online the rains were moving in. We were told we could ride as long as the restraints were locked when the phone call came in. Thankfully that phone call wouldn't come in until after our ride. As we pushed to the lift the monsoon hit with sideways rain. Surprisingly the rain smoothed it out and turned it into a water slide. It was truly an Epic ride.

 

Enough chatter, lets focus on Ride of Steel.

Here we are for some ERT on Ride of Steel!

Noted.

The park really does have a nice setting.

Yup, that would be top.

The top of the lift that is. Obviously.

This would not be the top. Clearly.

Black out section. Duh.

And some floater air, kindof. So yeah, that's Ride of Steel.

Goodbye Ride of Steel, thanks for allowing us to get some exercise by running around!

Let's see, where to go.

OCC approved.

Better than Pony Express.

Still haven't figured out if this used to be a pool or what.

It was here that the ride broke down and we were escorted out of the queue.

So while we waited, we got our head bang on.

But really, it wasn't all that bad. True Story.

See, I told you it had a nice setting. Didn't believe me eh?

You want arrow you say? You got arrow.

Smooth like Garbles with the ladies smooth.

Tomato soupy soup smooth.

Lube smooth. So yeah, it wasn't all that bad.

PGA Championship course.

So there you have it, part of Day 3 is over. Time for us now to fly on over to Martin's Fantasy Island before heading into to Canada for an epic night at Dave and Busters!

Oh yeah, almost forgot. Want to know what fixes a broken SLC? WD-40.

Edited August 5, 2012 by chadster

[Chroniq]

Another great update. I'd like to personally thank you for posting the worst photos of me ever taken... You do what you want..

 

 

 

Seriously... good stuff Chad.. The Connolly family and our friends are enjoying these updates and laughing at my misfortunes.

 

 

 

Edited to say.. Fuk.. that's what I actually look like.. MOAR POSTS please!

Edited August 4, 2012 by Chroniq

[kasseroo]

A completely unsurprisingly EPIC TR Chad! Keep it up! I'm really enjoying comaparing the pictures of me at Anchor Bar (where I look like death) to Waldameer (which I think was the best park of the trip!)

 

I can't wait for more! YAY! *Claps*

[Chrisrad]

Bitchin' photos!

 

[simon8899]

Can't accept the judgement that the Zamperla MotoCoaster is better than the Vekoma variant....

[chadster]

Woot woot! Day 3 continues with a brief stop off to whore out Martin's Fantasy Island. I kindof wish the rains hand't closed the park on our originally planned day as I would have liked to of had a chance to hit some of the flat rides. The trade off would be an amazing night in Canada at Dave and Busters that will include something I have neglected on in my main thread...TACOS!

Ok, let's get unloaded!

This piece of paper entitles you to a cool stamp that says 'coaster' on it.

Well this just won't do.

I'll try to!

Horsey's!

Ok nerds, we need a nice orderly stampede to the woodie.

Very good.

I'm guessing this would be the 'Island' at Martin's Fantasy Island.

Hey! give me back my pole!

And we made it, this time with no injuries.

I think this might have been the sleeper of the trip. Not rough, not boring, it was just right.

Let's do it!

Is it me, or does the important guy on the right kinda look like NASCAR driver Mark Martin?

Ride on your sack if you like.

No thanks, my hole is already on fire from last nights dinner

Hey what's this?

A rarity in American parks! Seriously, I wish more parks had 'fair' rides.

So, you want to see more than just rides? Ok.

Your wish is my command.

Teeny Boppers?

IDK, but their prices are teeny.

Please, wash your fingers before licking.

Cute little park.

Insert "ACE" joke here.

Well, now this park has really started to peek my interest.

I'm sure after eating all that food this is the first place you would want to stop.

Ok credit whores, back in line.

No, you aren't going there.

This just won't do, we are already loaded!

Rule breaking rebels.

I wasn't able to check the wetness level for everyone, sorry!

Is KT bored or studying something?

She was really into watching the Star Flyer.

So that's about it, enough time to grab a quickie

And head on out past the 'do it yourself' rides.

WTF?

 

See ya Martin's, wish we coulda stayed a bit longer!

[Nyteowl]

Martin's was definitely an interesting looking park. They had alot of flats that I wanted to try, so hopefully next time we'll be able to stay longer . Regardless the woodie was really great.

[chadster]

Here we go, the most anticipated review of the trip, the one, the only, TACO REVIEW!

 

We arrived at the TPR hotel slightly earlier than scheduled which was in no way an issue. Why? Well it's Dave and Buster's time! Sadly the stupid Canadians have a rule that kids under 19 can't be in the restaurant, at all, after 10pm so arriving early let the minor play a little longer.

 

Much to our surprise not only did we get some awesome free play cards but a taco buffet of mammoth proportions. Overall we are going to give the tacos a rating of 8/10. The meats were perfectly seasoned with the ground beef having a mixture of onions and hot peppers giving it that extra kick it sometimes needs. The sides were good and plentiful but nothing that stood out as OMFG amazing. The only thing that was a little confusing, and it must be a Canadian thing, was that the toppings were in the center of the buffet line so we got to play a friendly game of frogger, not a big deal really, it just added to the drunken fun!

 

So prepare for crappy cell phone pictures as I had no idea a taco review was in order!

 

P.S. Added a few candid group shots to our Waldameer day incase you want to check them out!

Um Garbles, it doesn't go up her nose.

Here we have this awesome buffet of yummy-ness set up.

OM

NOM

NOM

NOM

The taco's were clearly good. So let's ask.

What a good start to a soft taco you have there Shawn. So, we gotta ask, how is it?

Shawn gives it a thumbs up! 8/10

 

Now before everyone gets upset that they were not 10's, I have very strict guidelines for what a 10 taco is, what are those guidelines, I make them up as I go along

Um Chris, this isn't Marineland day, just sayin.

Out in the game room we found hot chicks!

TPR cleaned out the bar's fridge!

 

Best trip dinner ever! Thanks R&E!

[Philrad71]

Did anyone get the large beers at Fantasy Island? I believe it was the stall right across from the Boppers Burger place. I think it was about $6.50 and they gave you about a liter of beer...it was like being at Oktoberfest, but the beer wasn't quite as good (but I'll still take Molson any day over Bud)....and you sorta got it in one of those paper Pepsi cups. Nevertheless, the best deal on beer that you're going to see in any amusement/theme park in the US!

 

Martins is a very reasonably priced way for a family to spend an afternoon...I'm glad the park seems to be doing well and that Silver Comet is still awesome! Good news to hear that you guys were still able to hit the park as well as do the carousel museum and the Anchor Bar.

[chadster]

^As a matter of fact ChrisCon walked out with a giant soda cup of beer. After ordering a 'large' soda for myself (20oz cup) and seeing his Pepsi cup the 'large'(32oz) beer came in, I was quite jealous!

[Chroniq]

Loved the Martin's Fantasy Island update. I know you are a fan of it, but I was just happy to make it out without being shanked and/or shot. How many theme parks in the USA allow you to smoke and drink (possibly do meth) anywhere in the park? Crazy...

 

 

Dave and Busters night. Amazing. Waiting for someone to post the video of the Aussie's epic (15 glasses? ) jager bomb cascade..

 

 

Edited to say: Regarding Fantasy Island--- Actually it was a 40 oz mountain dew cup that beer was served in. It cost about $1.50 and they were completely happy to let me bring it out of the park. Klassy (both me and the park)

[QueerRudie]

 

I want him for my birthday.

 

And excellent photo TR(s) again. It's interesting to see how these smaller parks fare up to the big boys- even the ones that have spent time being decimated by SixFlags ownership.

 

R.D.

[chadster]

So after a late night we had an early morning, an early morning that would take us 10 minutes up the road to Canada's Wonderland. Having now been to all but 1 Cedar Fair park (Valley Fair) I can say with confidence that IMO, Canada's Wonderland is the most well rounded park of them all, including Cedar Point. While half of the coaster's are nothing to write home about, they have covered just about every realm except for floorless and launched. The flat selection was nothing like you'd see in the states as they actually had some strange, one off, and never in the US attractions.

 

While lunch was less than stellar, dinner and tea time made up for it. Park employees were knowledgeable and friendly and acted as if they were really happy we were there giving them something different than your normal rent a ride night.

 

Something that is a first for me is this report will be 100% from my cell phone camera. I won't talk about why.

Here we are for ERT on Leviathan!

The landscaping was incredible. I probably think that because I like the old Paramount parks.

Yay Leviathan!

"To those of you who thought the Boomerang was Leviathan you are hereby BANNED!"

So since I was banished from riding Leviathan I toured the park with a few friends. Yes, I have friends.

Anything stand out as being Cedar Fair?

Because I can't see anything that would set it apart from other parks.

WTF? One of a kind, I'd hit it if I were you, it might not be around much longer. It's not a bad ride and certainly better with friends.

Which of three is the better ride?

Huh, never see one of those tower things before

The American's have invaded!

oh.

Everyone say it together. Ahhhhhhh

I thought those ducks were do it yourself, but they were automated.

Fast lane allows you too....

...hump over the lines.

Huh?!?!?! I thought this was a woodie?

Drop Tower.

Woodie. Very interesting.

"Where is the rest of the ride?" "It's over there!"

This would be over there.

And thanks to the tour included Fast Lane, we passed all of this.

WOOT WOOT! TPR Train!

Clearly, I suck.

Soupy!

Tacos!!!!! Ok, so here is the deal, we have determined that in Canada it is mandatory to put the topping in the middle. As in, shells on the left, meat on the right, or vice versa so one has to play frogger to make their taco.

5/10 on the taco. Meet was not seasoned as well as last night's taco, rather bland. The shells were ok but the toppings were lacking. Still, it was edible.

So what a better way to celebrate yet another bonus TACO REVIEW than to ride an arrow as the sun was going down.

How about another tour of the park, sure, why not.

Freestyle is a novelty in Canada, so much so refills are twice the price and a large is like 4.99

So after humping Behemoth again, it was time head to the front of the park.

Why you ask?

Niagara Falls, duh!

Still trying to figure out where the rest of Leviathan is...

So as the sun sets we took our places on the front lawn for....

World of Color!!!

They had a cool projection show at the end of the night that lasted about 15 minutes and used the street, water, and tree lights for effects. It's a shame not more people stayed to watch it.

 

And with that, I went and planted my butt on Behemoth, why? I like it better than Leviathan, it has more forces where Leviathan is fun but is more speed related and about half a ride. When you hit the 'MCBR' you think there is more, there is not, the 'MCBR' is...the end. Just like this portion of my TR.

 

Goodnight everyone and special thanks to Canada's Wonderland for your hospitality, you were great!

[deguy123]

Great pictures as usual Chad!

 

Dave and Busters night. Amazing. Waiting for someone to post the video of the Aussie's epic (15 glasses? ) jager bomb cascade..

 

The Aussie's have it but are still riding coasters on the New Hotness Tour! I'm sure once they are back it will be posted, here's just a picture of the start

[Brandy524]

Awesome updates, Chad! Looks like everyone had a great time!

[kasseroo]

Amazing update as usual, Chad. Dave and Buster's will certainly be a night that I don't think any of us will forget - depending how much one drank that night!

 

On behalf of Canada, I sincerely apologize for the bizarre Taco setup. I have spoken to the Taco Society of Canada about the setup, and they have assured me that for all future Taco endeavors in Canada, the order will be correct!

 

Your Canada's Wonderland pictures came out amazingly, despite not having your camera - for reasons I will not disclose. I am fascinated how everyone has different perspectives of all the parks, and I think your pictures sum up the parks perfectly!

 

I know you only have one update left from the trip (although I may have missed the Darien Lake update - I wouldn't blame you for wanting to erase that part of the day from your memory), but I cannot wait! Keep it up!

Edited August 7, 2012 by kasseroo

[gisco]

This trip seems like it was so long ago! Loving all the pictures, I think at about this point I stopped taking them. Nice to see that you didn't.

[Chroniq]

So at this point.. Which park had the best tacos?

[chadster]

I just realized I hadn't thanked everyone for their kind comments. Only one more stop left on the LeviaTHONg tour before sad goodbyes. And who knows, maybe a bonus TACO REVIEW is coming too....

[johnychen]

Great trip report. I missed you guys by one day at Sea Breeze.

[CorkscrewFoley]

Having ridden Leviathan this past week, as well as behemoth (second time to the park this year), I still think Behemoth is much better...I'd go back for Behemoth alone...