Photo Trip Report: Canobie Lake Park, 10/22/2017

[Blatch]

It's long been nagging me that I've never done a trip report of my home park. I've only gotten away with it until now because other people have visited it occasionally and given pictures. So, armed with my smartphone and its second-rate camera, I decided to document Canobie for their annual Halloweeners event. I did not enjoy last year's, and back then I thought about not going at all the next time because I was not interested enough in the haunts. But since this is the only opportunity I had all year to visit... to hell with it, I'm going.

 

It's been a staid present for this park. Untamed's newness has worn off, and the park didn't add anything else in these past few years. There was Equinox, which seemed to do its thing for a year, and then completely give up on life. But then, earlier this year, something interesting happened: We got a Himalaya. I didn't ride it, but my sister and aunt who came along for the trip did, and they loved it. I had to settle for just all four roller coasters, plus my very first ride on the Rowdy Roosters. After getting off that, I wondered why the hell I ever missed out on it to begin with. It was exhilarating, giving an awesome sensation of flight without making me nauseous. That'll be a must ride the next time I'm there. And the Psychodrome, too. Those are my favorite flats at the park.

 

I got on the Yankee Cannonball first, after the park opened (at 1:00P? Huh...), and it was running very well. Unfortunately, I was too preoccupied on the ride making sure my Fitbit didn't fall off. I was afraid the G-forces from any coaster would unclick the latch and send it flying off my wrist. This happened on Untamed, too, and it made me look like a dumbass during the on-ride photo. But these two rides ran great. I'm impressed at how well they maintain the Cannonball. It was less rough than I can tolerate, and the vibration was nowhere near as bad as when I went on the Thunderhawk at Dorney. As for Untamed, I only experienced some roughhousing during the cutback, and a little bit on the transition post-heartline roll. I also did the Canobie Corkscrew, and it was... okay, merely okay. But again, Fitbit troubles. Now that I've done this on a few "big" coasters, I'll probably just unequip mine and put it in the bin provided before going on one. At least I saw a dude take it with him on the Cannonball... even though I don't know how that one turned out.

 

And then, the haunts. Oh yeah, of course we went there. I did all except for Black Hollow Cove, so I could get some more rides in before the park closed. My favorites were Carnivus (just for the aesthetic... I personally heart the use of classic arcade machines in one area, plus a claustrophobia effect [good for my autistic self] and the spinning tunnel), and The Culling, their new haunt, which I guess works as the most obtuse cult anyone has ever joined. It had some mindscrewing effects with lasers and lots of fog that I thought looked the coolest. But that was about it. I also rode the Starblaster and Sky Ride, the latter of which I'm glad didn't close because of that mishap in New York. Furthermore, I spent a lot of time at the various arcades, playing pinball, some ticket redemption games, and After Burner, which just goddamn owns. And I ate a gigantic plate of nachos, which is a must-do for me whenever I go there. And I didn't puke them out like I did a few months ago at the park. Overall, definitely a solid visit. Hopefully I get to go back next year, and not during the haunt event, mostly so I can get a ride in on the Mine of Lost Souls.

 

Now, as for potential construction... nothing is going on next to Castaway Island right now. However, I did see some minor work happening closer to the lake, between the major haunt area and the Corkscrew. It appears that Canobie is building a new train station for 2018. I personally don't care for such a thing, but hopefully this ties into the rumored expansion of the water park and serves as the much-needed update the park needs going forward. Of course, greedy old me would prefer another coaster, whether it's Kanonen or something the whole family can enjoy.

 

Pictures enclosed below.

 

So this is the Ice Jet, the park's new ride. I have to say, the artwork surrounding it all is pretty beautiful.

Mmmhmm.

Hopefully, you know what this is all about. But in case you don't, it's a "spinny" ride. The cars go forwards, backwards, and swivel out at a 90-degree angle.

I got some chuckles out of this.

Cannonball plz.

The park had lots of 'ween decarations, and this guy was easily my favorite addition.

A generic shot, and my only good one of Untamed.

Good nachos, though the meat could've been thicker. The only thing I needed was a little more sour cream. I should've asked for extras.

The pinball parlor! I had no idea what this thing was about.

Here is some pinball machine porn. Sadly, you can't actually play it. =(

I like having this out to make peoples' pinball accomplishments more meaningful. There's also a camera located close to their Ghostbusters machine, but my picture of it came out crappy.

Construction work. Move along, not much to see here.

I've been corkscrewed!

From later on, when I was boarding.

Sadly, when the night got blacker, my phone was unable to take it. So here's my best picture from the haunt.

Wow! It's the return of Dippin' Dots ERT!

As a closing gift, I'll leave you with this. Who knows how long this has been in here for, but at least you've got until 2019 to make the most of it.

[Taylor Finn]

Great report! Looks like a pretty decent little amusement park haunt and I've always felt the park looked pretty nice!

[Maddox8]

Nice trips! It's pretty decent

Edited October 27, 2017 by Maddox8

[cal1br3tto]

Ice Jet looks like a fun addition. I haven't ridden that particular model (Bertazzon Ice Jet?!), but I often favor the swinging versions of these rides (Chance Thunderbolt FTW). Corkscrew looks so much better nowadays.

[Canobie Coaster]

Great report! I plan to stop in on Friday to try out Ice Jet and try Screamfest for the first time. Thanks for the haunt reviews so I have an idea which ones to try.

[PKI Jizzman]

A Wii as the grand prize

 

Just leave it in there long enough and soon it'll be a piece of nostalgia.

[coasterbill]

How do you win a Nintendo Wii at a Storm Stopper game and what are the quarters for?

 

If you hit the jackpot, don't you just win (in that case) 198 tickets which (I assume) aren't worth jack sh*t?