ArgoZ Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 We were thinking about visiting on Labor Day weekend on our way back from Cedar Point but obviously I'm a little hesitant to do so now. I know this incident is extreme no matter what kind of crowd the park draws but do they typically have a rougher crowd? Forgive my ignorance, I just don't know much about the park other than the fact that they have a great wood coaster. It is unfortunate that an isolated incident can negatively impact someone already. I excuse your ignorance, but you are acting a little silly and have nothing to worry about. Your chances of seeing or being involved in an incident at CP are exponentially higher than cute, little, Waldemeer. Do not miss a chance to check out this fun park because of some losers, who live everywhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkrider68 Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 (edited) I've visited Waldameer on Labor Day weekend on different occasions. Outside of the park being more crowded than usual, I didn't see any problems. Last Labor Day Saturday, RF2 was a walk on. Rode it 24 times in a row with almost no waiting. Edited May 30, 2014 by darkrider68 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirkFunk Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 We were thinking about visiting on Labor Day weekend on our way back from Cedar Point but obviously I'm a little hesitant to do so now. I know this incident is extreme no matter what kind of crowd the park draws but do they typically have a rougher crowd? If you're at any park on a hot, busy day, the possibility that someone is going to act a fool is high. BTW: Cedar Point will be super crowded and doesn't have metal detectors. Are you afraid to go? OK then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coasterbill Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 you are acting a little silly and have nothing to worry about. I addressed the fact that I was unfamiliar with the park. I didn't have a knee jerk reaction where I just decided not to go based on one incident before asking about it, but I think for someone who knows basically nothing about the park to ask a question about the parks clientele after someone gets stabbed in the neck as a result of potential gang violence (according to police) is completely justified and not "silly" at all. Edit: Especially when I want to go on Labor day weekend and a few posts above mine someone said that Memorial Day and Labor Day fireworks shows tend to bring out "unruliness at the park". As I said, if this is an isolated incident then of course I'll go to the park, but knowing nothing about the place I wanted to ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArgoZ Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 you are acting a little silly and have nothing to worry about. I addressed the fact that I was unfamiliar with the park. I didn't have a knee jerk reaction where I just decided not to go based on one incident before asking about it, but I think for someone who knows basically nothing about the park to ask a question about the parks clientele after someone gets stabbed in the neck as a result of potential gang violence (according to police) is completely justified and not "silly" at all. Your reaction was considering not to go. I wanted to ensure you that you are safe to have a great time. You will see what I am talking about and may agree that it was a "little" silly to worry about visiting. That is a good thing. CP is right between two of Americas most dangerous cities, and your not worried. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaraAB87 Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 Ahem yeah I would be much more worried going to CP especially when I went to CP as a kid and our bus broke down in the worst possible area it could have in the middle of the night...... I went to Waldameer and did not see any unruly crowds last year, no I did not go on a holiday but if you are saying there are bad crowds there all the time...... there simply isn't ... If they took away free admission attendance would certainly decline for sure so I hope they don't do that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajfelice Posted May 30, 2014 Share Posted May 30, 2014 Especially when I want to go on Labor day weekend and a few posts above mine someone said that Memorial Day and Labor Day fireworks shows tend to bring out "unruliness at the park". As I said, if this is an isolated incident then of course I'll go to the park, but knowing nothing about the place I wanted to ask. Let me make this more clear. Fireworks nights are NOT a problem for Waldameer. You will be fine attending Saturday or Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend or Labor Day Weekend. The holidays themselves aren't the best clientele, but incidents like this one are isolated. The only people that were affected were the people instigating. You should never be concerned attending a fireworks show. The days that have had issues are the days following a fireworks show. And unlike the news portrayed, Waldameer was not in chaos or rioting. Most people had no idea what was happening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jantzen73 Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 Stopped by Waldameer on the way up to Canada's Wonderland over Memorial Day weekend - for one reason - to ride Ravine Flyer II - and it was so worth the stop - one of the best woodies I've been on - so much fun start to finish - the beautiful views - the tunnels - 90 degrees! - the airtime - the layout just never stops - oh and did I mention the airtime! We arrived at the park and we could see from the parking lot that Ravine Flyer II was still testing (and the park had been open an hour already) but about time we got in got our Wally Card charged up - and got back to the short line waiting - they opened up the gates! Perfect timing! A few minutes later we were waiting for the front car - then we were off - though they were only running one train - and sending the other through empty. Since the ride is barely over a minute long our wait was only about 5 mins. That hanging moment over the first hill with the breathtaking view of Lake Erie - was just spectacular. Then there was that return trip over the bridge that spans the 4 lane road below - it was airtime like I've never had before - long, strong and amazing!!! I felt weightless for like 3 whole seconds! AMAZING! So many other fun elements and the cool 90 degree bank made for one heck of a ride. Road a few more times in the back and middle - not a bad seat to be found! Did a quick spin on Dragon - nothing really to say about it - it was ok at best. Then off to XScream - my first ARM/Larson drop tower - and my, oh my what a drop!!! Been on tons of drop towers and never had one this exciting - the quick drop - the restraints that never really feel secure - and oh that drop! You swear that you are going to hit the ground and it's not going to stop in time - what a fun little ride! That was it for our day before we headed up to Canada's Wonderland - but we will be back again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaraAB87 Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Okkkk just go and spoil it for everyone now..... Just kidding, I have already ridden ravine flyer and yes, it was very good. Definitely exceeded my expectations. The Lake Erie view Definitly improves the drop tower and the coaster by a ton.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajfelice Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Glad to see you enjoyed your visit to Waldameer and your laps on Ravine Flyer II. Too bad you couldn't see our new XScream Lights at night. It's even more cool when you ride it and see how the LEDs light up everything around the tower. A little insight into the two-train operation with one train closed off: We will open the second train up when crowds justify it. The reason is that we will find ourselves just taking more time to buckle down empty seats. It becomes a time-consuming hassle and distracts from focusing on the seats that are actually occupied (the other train sits out on the brake run even longer too). Once the line wraps around the corner of the queue by the transfer shed consistently, we will open the second train like we did later that day. Personally, I have suggested we just block off one or two cars in each train so we can use both trains equally (closing queue stalls),and not give an impression of laziness when we aren't quite at two-train operation levels. Without going into too much detail, it's easier to put a train on in the morning than it is to add one later. Taking a train off is pretty simple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jantzen73 Posted June 10, 2014 Share Posted June 10, 2014 ^ Thanks for the info on the 1 train operation. It was still a quick wait - just a bummer to see that empty train go through - but I could see why it was done - especially with the short ride cycle. Definitely planning another visit up to the park this summer - it's only a little over a 2 hour drive for me. Want to get some night rides on Ravine Flyer 2 and of course XScream. I did see some online pictures of the new lighting package at night and it does look great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajfelice Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 Last week I had the opportunity to do a track walk with the maintenance crew on Ravine Flyer II. It's a very unique experience that combines excitement, stunning views, peacefulness, fear, and physical agility. I can't be thankful enough to be a part of such an amazing "family" who allows me to gain these experiences. Below are some of the pictures from the track walk. I was using a cheap camera I wasn't afraid to lose, so and quality was not always perfect due to some of the physical restrictions of climbing and being tight on time which prevented taking several shots. Track walk begins at 6:00am sharp daily. Ravine Flyer II's Maximum elevation change is 132ft from highest to lowest point. View from the top of the very underrated 105 ft second drop. Now this is terrifying. There is only a six inch wide catwalk to climb up a 120 foot, 60 degree drop. Nerd Shot. Gravity Group recently suggested that several high-stress areas received a double layer of steel guide track to help reduce wear and tear. Not sure how common this is on other woodies, but I found it interesting. Twisty? Now the easy part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mightypotato Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 Awesome photos! I was just at Waldameer yesterday and Ravine Flyer II was running great, as always. Whenever I get anywhere near Erie, I make a point to stop there and get a few rides in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rcjp Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 Wow I'd love to do a track walk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geauga Dog Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 Amazing shots of an amazing coaster! Thank you for getting my morning started in a great way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cal1br3tto Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 I appreciate the modesty, but I see nothing wrong with any of those photos. Amazing shots, and so cool that you had that opportunity! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PennStater Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 Awesome, thanks for sharing! I'm curious, how long does it take to walk the length of the track? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajfelice Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 Ravine Flyer II takes a little over an hour to walk/inspect without needing time to make adjustments. I imagine a more hilly layout like The Voyage takes much longer because of not only the length but because the steep inclines really slow you down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rcjp Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 What's the maximum angle someone would climb on a wooden coaster? I imagine nobody will climb El Toro's drop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OISU8P Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 My work had me looking for a last minute trip to Pittsburgh this week. I am taking off this Wednesday and the rest of the week and going to Erie and spending 3 fun days between the Waldameer and Presque Isle... I love the park and 3 days in and out is not enough for me. It was was a perfect storm for me on this trip. My mom has my 8 year old daughter back from Phoenix to take up there this weekend for her birthday since she loves Comet, Wacky Shack and Pirates Cove. I am going to surprise her tomorrow by being there with her when she walks in the park... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nolimits Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 Great pics! I might head out to Erie sometime this week, I miss RFII. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJLehto Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Huzzah! I got an invite to hang with my Pittsburgh friend, while I'm out there going to take advantage and hit up Kennywood and Waldameer. This will be late August, should I expect anything in terms of crowds? I know it's a small park so I'm hoping I can whore RFII and hit all the rides Can this be done in a few hours? I'd like to scoot on out early as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajfelice Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Waldameer on a busy day usually does not mean unreasonable queue times for Ravine Flyer II. With two trains running on a good weather Saturday, the wait time usually maxes out at 15 minutes. The rides with the longest waits on busy weekends are Whacky Shack, Thunder River, and Steel Dragon which can all exceed 30 minutes if the weather is good. If you are coming in the evening, the lines will shorten up quite a bit, especially after 8:30. 4-5 hours on a busy day can get you all you need to whore unless you are interested in Water World. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJLehto Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Superb! I look forward to this. I haven't decided if I will head back home or make this a mini road trip but either way I'd love to get it all done in a few hours so I can hit the road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CpBluestreakCp Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Great shots! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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