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

Photo TR: Canobie Coaster's 2017 US Adventures


Recommended Posts

2017 is shaping up to be a really good year for me park wise. As usual, I plan to hit several of the parks in the Northeast but I will also be hitting some new parks such as Holiday World and Six Flags Great America.

 

Posted Trip Reports

Revere Carnival- See Below

Six Flags New England (Opening Day)- Page 1

Lake Compounce- Page 1

Six Flags New England (Joker's First Day) - SFNE Discussion Thread

Michigan's Adventure- Page 2

Indiana Beach- Page 3

Holiday World- Page 5

Splashin' Safari- Page 5

Six Flags Great America- Page 6

Dollywood minus Lightning Rod- Page 7

Dollywood's Splash Country- Page 7

Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg Mountain Coasters- Page 7

Pigeon Forge Tourist Traps- Page 7

Six Flags Great Adventure- Page 7

Casino Pier- Page 8

Playland's Castaway Cove- Page 8

Gillian's Wonderland Pier- Page 9

Morey's Piers- Page 10

Sesame Place- Page 10

Funplex- Page 10

Clementon Park- Page 10

Hersheypark- Page 12

Knoebels- Page 13

DelGrosso's Amusement Park- Page 14

Idlewild- Page 15

Kennywood- Page 16

Waldameer- Page 17

Great Escape- Page 17

Huck Finn's Playland- Page 18

Story Land- Page 18

Attitash Mountain Resort- Page 19

Whale's Tale Water Park- Page 19

Brockton Fair (aka sketchy carnival in the ghetto)- Page 20

Canobie Lake Park- Page 20

Dollywood (Still no Lightning Rod)- Page 21

Goats on the Roof, GA- Page 21

Fun Junction- Fun Spot America Discussion Page

ZDT's Amusement Park- Page 22

SeaWorld San Antonio- Page 22

Six Flags Fiesta Texas- Page 22

Sandy Lake Amusement Park- Page 23

Six Flags Over Texas- Page 24

Canobie Lake Park, Visit 2- Page 25

York's Wild Kingdom- Page 25

Funtown U.S.A.- Page 25

Adult Night at the Boston's Children's Museum- Page 27

Berkshire Mountain Coaster/Lake George- Page 28

Six Flags New England in the Rain-SFNE Thread

Canobie Screeemfest- Page 28

Foxwoods- Page 29

Lake Compounce Haunted Graveyard- Page 29

SeaWorld Orlando & Aquatica- Page 29

Universal Orlando/Islands of Adventure- Page 30

Fun Spot Orlando- Page 31

Fun Spot Kissimmee- Page 32

Legoland Florida- Page 32

Busch Gardens Tampa- Page 33

Six Flags New England Holiday in the Park- SFNE Thread

Dollywood at Christmas and Lightning Rod!- Page 35

 

 

 

Revere Carnival

 

My adventure began with a surprise credit. Back in March I was driving to the local supermarket. I passed a few gas stations, some car washes, a movie theater, a roller coaster, a gentleman's club... wait did I see that right? I pulled into the gentleman's club parking lot and did a double take. Yes there was actually a roller coaster in a parking lot in mid-March, and a full-sized Galaxi/Zyklon style coaster too (not just a kiddie coaster). Then I remembered Revere always has their spring carnival ridiculously early in the year. I did some research on the Fiesta Shows (midway provider) website and saw they recently acquired an Interpark coaster named the Super Cyclone and made plans to return on the next clear day, which was 2-3 days later if I recall correctly. The weather was rough for this carnival per usual.

 

Fiesta provides most midways up this way and as far as I can tell, this was the first carnival where Super Cyclone was set up. When I got there, the coaster was down. Great just my luck. It was a cold and windy day, so I wasn't sure if that would keep it down all day. Thankfully they got my first credit of 2017 up and running within an hour. The first test run was something you'd only see at a carnival. One employee was standing on the track near the brake run when the train was dispatched for a test run. After the train cleared the lift, the employee on the brake run shimmied down a support and walked through the structure to the station. Only at a carnival would you see something like that

 

My friend and I were the first two to board. I had been on two other Interpark coasters at carnivals (one in California and one at the Big E). The restraints on this one were a bit overkill. There was the standard lapbar but then shoulder straps like Tempesto or Coney Island's Thunderbolt. It was probably the conditions, but the Super Cyclone was really crawling through the course. While the other two Interpark coasters I rode had small pops of air on the first drop, this one had nothing. The ride was a pretty boring coaster, but it was smooth and a credit I wasn't expecting. 3 out of 10

 

The rest of the midway consisted of your typical carnival rides. They had a KMG Freak Out, a swinging ship, some spinning rides, a Larson Fireball, and the crown jewel of the fair, the Zipper. I took rides on the Freak Out and Zipper and felt a little queasy afterwards which is something these rides hadn't done to me in the past. However, the cycles on these rides were really long and intense like any good fair.

 

I'm glad Fiesta added a full-sized coaster again after the problems they had with the Fabbri spinner a while back since a large coaster was the only thing missing in their repertoire. Hopefully the Super Cyclone speeds up and rides like the other Interparks in the summer.[/fbvideonew]

Midway.thumb.JPG.3f2d22d91ee6052408bd315cf7f87f78.JPG

What a beautiful setting for a carnival.

1317923198_SuperCyclone.thumb.JPG.3903c533b54e168fcb0e80d3016e365e.JPG

I thought this was a mirage when I drove past it. Nope, an actual full-sized coaster in March in New England!

Edited by Canobie Coaster
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 365
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Six Flags New England (Opening Day)

 

Here is the first of a few Six Flags New England trip reports. Despite having a certain park mentioned in my screen name just 25 minutes from me, Six Flags is my most visited park since they actually offer season passes. Not only that, but the Six Flags season pass is still the best deal in the industry. I can't believe that one low price gets me into all of the parks with free parking.

 

I am really a big fan of the park's 2017 additions. There's the Joker free fly coaster, which I finally got to ride after several failed attempts on the New Jersey one, which is getting more publicity now. But honestly the addition I am most excited for is Holiday in the Park. Halloween has typically been a bitter sweet holiday for me since I get to enjoy Lake Compounce's amazing haunt, but it also means the end of coasters for a few months in New England unless you want to board a train of kids at either Fun World or Santa's Village. Holiday in the Park will actually offer some adult coasters to give me a winter coaster fix that doesn't require a plane ride or a 5-6 hour drive to New Jersey.

 

Opening Day got off to a pretty rocky start. Wicked Cyclone nor Superman were ready at park opening. I decided to go to Wicked Cyclone first which ended up opening a half hour late. It's a pet peeve of mine that the park never has these rides ready to go at opening, but once I boarded I quickly forgave them since Wicked Cyclone now has choice seating! I was able to pick the back and Wicked Cyclone was flying and giving plenty of ejector air despite the 40 degree weather. I was only able to get two rides since Wicked Cyclone had 1 train operations, which caused the line to reach about an hour when I checked back later.

 

Superman was less than 15 minutes for most seats all day. I did wait about 45-50 minutes for the front about halfway through the day, but I have to get that seat at least once per visit since it's significantly better than any other. I would like to commend the park on the operations since Superman was often sending out the next train before the previous one returned to the brake run. That's something I barely have seen over the past few years. Superman still has one of my favorite layouts and I'm so glad there is no more VR.

 

Speaking of VR, Mind Eraser had a lot of issues with the VR due to the cold. However, the new restraints are a significant improvement and the coaster is now rideable. It's still jerky but at least you aren't bashing your head against a restraint. I'd say it's a 6/10 ride now compared to the 2/10 ride it was previously.

 

Batman also had some improvements. The first was the addition of a single-rider line. While Batman doesn't tend to get a long line any more, this is a welcome addition in the event the line backs up on a busy day. The ride also got freshly painted trains. The black OSTRs don't stand out like the old, yellow ones, but they received a much needed paint job.

887248988_BarmantheDarkKnightZero-GRoll(Bottom).thumb.JPG.60641100c2cd94b9706fee2153d59c4f.JPG

Batman's zero-G roll is still one of the best ones out there. It really sustains the hang-time longer than most other coasters.

796975462_BatmantheDarkKnightNewRestraints.thumb.JPG.1f3b0a9f61d71f7cdf3b8dd274acfc64.JPG

Batman and its sexy new restraints.

1891324434_GiantYoshi.thumb.JPG.83a42c5d63580b723a6bb95fca935108.JPG

I want the Giant Yoshi!

74892606_Goliath(Day).thumb.JPG.e376a50fa8dfd1dc604a03a58435af95.JPG

Mind Eraser's train modification is more welcome than Goliath's. I got a really bad Charlie horse on the backwards portion.

2606811_JokerConstruction1.thumb.JPG.b0e4b5fa60d71b69faa5f9755b298852.JPG

Joker is coming along nicely.

771922781_JokerConstruction2.thumb.JPG.9189f4b5b9d8500ea957b15b674bc1a6.JPG

This ride was just as open as Wicked Cyclone and Superman were at park opening.

339493370_MindEraserVRGoggles.thumb.JPG.3fae243788e64704a14ce2051f74b57f.JPG

These restraints turn a total abomination into a rideable coaster. It went from a 2/10 ride to a 6/10 ride.

1064511887_MindEraserVRSign.thumb.JPG.d617f9a63c6e83433ac46e9993622218.JPG

Thank you for not being on Superman! Though VR didn't want to work in the cold conditions.

129568264_ScreamfromEntryBridge.thumb.JPG.cefdba1f275f6651e44f10a181031639.JPG

I'm ready to have a Six Flags day.

455124478_SupermantheRideHelix.thumb.JPG.41dcb3664073e6dca25d029f508e4cba.JPG

Whoosh!

1592968436_SupermantheRideLiftHill(Night).thumb.JPG.567fe11d5d7e32d900220df2dfe0f0e9.JPG

Wicked Cyclone may be my preferred coaster, but Superman has the best night rides in the park.

2120674247_SupermantheRideLiftHill(Train).thumb.JPG.63fc14e1978b68a0f480c1e9b7ad0dd8.JPG

The Man of Steel still has one of the best layouts around.

2003151528_ThunderboltSign(Night).thumb.JPG.7ddf3a15c2a79f4e4d514299c9618f18.JPG

Thunderbolt is still running quite well despite its age and of course that neon sign is hard to beat.

1410090064_WickedCycloneDrop.thumb.JPG.4219d3a554a68e21d16bcca553490021.JPG

Oh how I missed Wicked Cyclone over the winter. Such a relentless coaster.

973789347_WickedCycloneZero-GRoll.thumb.JPG.5c2924832e42556a3a441c275bee39f8.JPG

With the naked trees early in the season, I was able to get some shots I can't get in the summer months.

Yoshis.thumb.JPG.bcf003923640404fc2c66ff990c1b131.JPG

So many Yoshis!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lake Compounce (Spring)

 

Unsure SFNE's Joker would be open (it ended up being open so I stopped by afterwards), I decided to pay a visit to Lake Compounce since the two parks are about 45 minutes apart. I bought a season pass this year since they were only $55 which is a real steal considering Funtown charges double that for their's and Canobie doesn't even offer season passes. It had been a very long time since I had been to Lake Compounce during the day, but I've been there the past 4-5 years for the Haunted Graveyard. I can't pass up the opportunity to experience the best park haunt in the area and get rare night rides on my favorite wooden coaster, Boulder Dash.

 

Speaking of Boulder Dash, the park did some great track work on the coaster this offseason. Last year the once awesome triple up became a bone-jarring element. The rest of the coaster was its normal great self but this section was brutal if you didn't brace yourself. Thankfully the park converted this section into a double-up and it now rides much better. Still gives great air-time but it's not uncomfortable (there was some vibrations over this section but nothing awful). They also retracked the far turnaround so if you like laterals, be prepared to be pinned to the side of your seat. Boulder Dash was running really well this early in the season. The ride was flying through the course combining insane laterals with a mix of ejector and floater air. I got 8 rides on this coaster. 6 walk-ons in the first hour and then two 20 minute waits later in the day when the ride warmed up.

 

Phobia was a great sidekick to Boulder Dash and giving outstanding ejector air over the top. Zoomerang was a boomerang. It's the best boomerang I've been on, but that still isn't saying much. Wildcat was in pretty good shape but not quite ready to open. It looks like the first drop is the last major section they need to install. I got a glimpse of the nice new Millennium Flyer trains and couldn't believe how short they were (appear to be 7 rows).

 

I was happy to see the two water rides open before Memorial Day. Thunder River didn't have all the effects and rapids turned on, which was probably a good call on a 65 degree day. The ride was great as always and reminded me how frustrating it was that Canobie scrapped plans for their rapids ride this year. The flume was fun, but had the longest wait of the day (30 minutes) due to only 4 boats running. The water park wasn't open yet, but the park had a lot of construction going on just beyond Riptide Racers. It almost looks like they're trying to create a full loop around the lake which would be really nice since the rapids ride and sky ride are at a dead end.

 

Speaking of the Sky Ride, the park no longer allows single riders which is a disappointment. The park's Sky Ride is the best one out there since it is a relaxing 30 minute ride up the mountain. I wonder if this is another response to the Idlewild accident. I saw people posting on the Kennywood discussion thread that the park changed many of their height requirements; I think Lake Compounce may have done the same. The most striking one to me was the 42" height requirements on the Zoomers antique cars and log flume. I definitely remember riding the latter as a kid when I was below 42". Then a 42" minimum for antique cars seems overkill.

 

With the season pass, I plan to stop by a few more times this summer as Boulder Dash gets faster and to try the newly renovated Wildcat.

1782624699_AmericanFlyers(Day2).thumb.JPG.bf5613e4d67371d8957e108621725343.JPG

The slow but snappable flyers. You really feel accomplished when you get a snap on these ones.

606124407_BoulderDashCurvedHill1.thumb.JPG.9a1c6e04bb725503acc727d052b6012f.JPG

It's still my favorite wooden coaster out there.

389891246_BoulderDashCurvedHill2.thumb.JPG.bbd5c81538afd6c60c1e793f4a1489cb.JPG

Few coasters have a setting as great as Boulder Dash.

1835604537_BoulderDashDoubleUp(Empty).thumb.JPG.c52bd37415112ae5a970622c75b415ba.JPG

The triple up has now been replaced by a double up which removed the only really rough part of the ride.

638142587_BoulderDashDoubleUp(Train).thumb.PNG.757922553f1350b6e78540e4eecf1939.PNG

The new wood still needs to be broken in a bit, but rest assured you will be launched sky high still.

979296735_BoulderDashReturnLeg1.thumb.JPG.2d83471e699bf1257a05cf2b553832b5.JPG

The speed and airtime on the return leg is unreal. Just look how many hills there are.

587615873_BoulderDashReturnLeg3.thumb.JPG.594b448abd991e67e93ce91be4de8765.JPG

The far turnaround was retracked too and delivers some of the most intense laterals of any coaster.

627298183_DownTime2.thumb.JPG.ff104dfc55e1dcfafb699082f75d8498.JPG

Look at that naked drop tower. It looks so weird without the topper.

711324843_EntryWay(Day).thumb.JPG.14253f639261753990218dd01432a896.JPG

The iconic Lake Compounce shot.

1912557613_FutureExpansion.thumb.JPG.f1157f198e63b525fc5bb852cbc8ab87.JPG

They have quite a bit of construction going back there. I'd love to see them complete the loop and connect the entire park to itself.

1235528684_GhostHunt.thumb.JPG.ec1afddb8795b849935916d185a1eb23.JPG

The all new guns made it so you could actually shoot targets. Take that Trump for gun control.

672341607_ParkSign.thumb.JPG.ff266fdd6af07e7c684fef095d8d1d97.JPG

I was greeted by this nice new sign.

1104946524_PhobiaPhear(Day).thumb.JPG.04b6da7748e6012bf2d5e780aab03f95.JPG

I love how close to the midway Phobia is. It's a gold mine for photos.

1718606874_PhobiaPhearDrop.thumb.JPG.361997f770b7a525cc8f719a716485e5.JPG

Phobia forever changed the park's skyline.

Rev-O-Lution.thumb.JPG.38a1311b09426055ff6faee956e0972c.JPG

I miss the old Rotor but this is a pretty fun flat.

109765612_SawMillPlungeDrop(Flowers).thumb.JPG.33a53317daa9b71b23bb1dd329520ba1.JPG

With only 4 boats running, I had to wait a bit for this shot.

963506557_SawMillPlungeSplash.thumb.JPG.469f4a2d8a90fa66c4bce8fc9196c002.JPG

Splashdown.

1932081315_ThunderRiverRaftRide1.thumb.JPG.d87519095b506af187406eb03c30eb0d.JPG

Not all the waterfalls and rapids were turned up yet, so the amount of wetness was perfect for a spring day.

1262302375_ThundernLightning(Front).thumb.JPG.0531c83037453a57c3c8193cab498e82.JPG

Love the ride, but just wish it had a longer cycle.

460913590_ThundernLightningMaxSwing.thumb.JPG.33f86d8df6f98c2456000b5cee6c04e6.JPG

The screamin' swings have such a distinctive sound to them.

2547029_ThundernLightningSign.thumb.JPG.25c62f303c3ec9e12af05e8147844965.JPG

So this is why the weathermen are never right.

531648206_ZoomersGasnGoBillboard.thumb.JPG.d14892d13f8bb3924a5a456494f59e22.JPG

Better advertising than Six Flags.

1567684216_BoulderDashReturnLeg5.thumb.PNG.273800a9835e88741b0d05eea95a6c04.PNG

The first half is nearly impossible to photograph. Part of the reason why it's the best night ride out there.

1184493202_BoulderDashSign.thumb.JPG.cc9a3d2d546b8237926d09d9de20d789.JPG

Now this is a real mountain coaster. No need to argue whether or not this one's a credit.

1873523863_CompounceMountainSkyRide1.thumb.JPG.c5af55e2af698e14d3ec3c092f4712cf.JPG

Single riders are no longer allowed on the sky ride. It's a shame since it's the best sky ride out there.

399993435_CrocodileCove.thumb.JPG.18a2729975d1916d48d79173f59ea115.JPG

Oh yeah and the park has a lake too.

285387644_DownTime(Day).thumb.JPG.ebbc0e9912f877b7b6a2a36b05f0c360.JPG

I love the theme and the audio they play at the top.

1517990309_PhobiaPhearInlineTwist(Close).thumb.JPG.8a6cbdfb99c6e6ce9bd500ad1abc4752.JPG

Hope no one has any loose change.

177384409_PhobiaPhearNon-InvertingLoop1.thumb.JPG.ba0f0f62c2926363cb1cf02119e60267.JPG

Phobia is an amazing coaster. I wouldn't mind seeing these Sky Rocket II's as often as boomerangs.

2111859632_PhobiaPhearNon-InvertingLoop2.thumb.JPG.5eb5471062e868b3115d76d5d4ff21a8.JPG

It was a beautiful day to visit.

968071594_PhobiaPhearSign.thumb.JPG.075155848f502a5591748c315d4fa78b.JPG

One of the better ride signs out there.

1368938029_Rev-O-LutionSign.thumb.JPG.e9cd8ad1a09e777fbe5e71aa8a81dc08.JPG

This would probably be called a coaster if it were at Six Flags.

1922591729_ThunderRiverRaftRideSign.thumb.JPG.7e1cdcc2fa3eb32f9db174f0a55c3b8a.JPG

Identity Crisis the Ride.

1206609693_WildcatConstruction2.thumb.JPG.bce8bad92cfb2ec85dd2cd8a23ebade6.JPG

Wildcat wasn't open quite yet. The park looks to be replacing almost the entire layout.

1000299439_WildcatNewTrains.thumb.JPG.fe2c702f6160419167c961ba4ee94d7a.JPG

These new sexy trains along with the new wood should hopefully make this ride smooth.

1982616757_ZoomerangLoop.thumb.JPG.562b848f363b944912fefa377367ccf8.JPG

This is the best boomerang I've been on, which is like saying you're the best player on the Cleveland Browns.

Zoomerang.thumb.JPG.400a7040731b47798dc89b8e4b8aaa0f.JPG

Speaking of boomerangs...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nice report. We drove right by Lake Compounce on our East Coast trip last year on our way to Six Flags New England. We would have stopped had we had more time, but maybe a few years down the road. Boulder Dash is a must-do, and Phobia is a bonus as well. Thanks for sharing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Definitely stop in for a few hours during your next visit since lines are never bad at Lake Compounce. The worst wait is for Boulder Dash if they're running one train and even then it never exceeds a half hour except in rare cases.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great pictures and writeup to start the report! I'm looking to do a northeast trip in the next few years, and Lake Compounce has certainly made the list of places to go. I'm just going to have to bribe somebody to come with me so I can get on the sky ride.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'd be happy to stop by if you're in the area. I still owe you one for driving me back to the hotel last year so I could stay at Kings Island until midnight.

 

Lake Compounce is one of those parks that mixes the old and new very well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great report as always!

 

I really, really like Lake Compounce...classic and thrills with some quirkiness thrown in for good measure.

 

 

 

But I have to say...here is TPR's new best quote of the week/month:

 

This is the best boomerang I've been on, which is like saying you're the best player on the Cleveland Browns.

 

 

And one could feel free to substitute the Buffalo Bills over the Browns into that little zinger too!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I love Lake Compounce and can't wait to get out and try Wildcat when it opens later. It will definitely take a while before the entire park is connected with a loop but hopefully we get a coaster that utilizes the lake later on.

 

Is there any reason for Down Time's topper to be gone this year? I hope it returns soon.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

But I have to say...here is TPR's new best quote of the week/month:

 

This is the best boomerang I've been on, which is like saying you're the best player on the Cleveland Browns.

 

 

And one could feel free to substitute the Buffalo Bills over the Browns into that little zinger too!

 

I'm such a spoiled Patriots fan. I started watching them in 2000 and the second year I followed them was the first year of Brady. I'm sure I'll suffer sometime after Brady and Belichick leave but for now I can ride the high.

I love Lake Compounce and can't wait to get out and try Wildcat when it opens later. It will definitely take a while before the entire park is connected with a loop but hopefully we get a coaster that utilizes the lake later on.

 

Is there any reason for Down Time's topper to be gone this year? I hope it returns soon.

 

I just think they hadn't gotten around to putting it up. I'd think they'd want it up before Memorial Day weekend.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I appreciate the update on Boulder Dash. I didn't know it'd been retracked, so after reading your subtitle I was glad to hear it's still amazing!

 

I remain extremely skeptical about the possibility of the Wildcat experience being improved.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

^ Sorry I have work. Most of my local park visits are on weekends since I save my PTO for parks further away. Enjoy though!

 

I appreciate the update on Boulder Dash. I didn't know it'd been retracked, so after reading your subtitle I was glad to hear it's still amazing!

 

I remain extremely skeptical about the possibility of the Wildcat experience being improved.

 

I never rode the original GhostRider but the GCI retracked one was smooth as silk last year. Based on that, I think Wildcat could be quite good.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Both Boulder Dash an Wildcat were retracked by M&V this year. Given that they've pretty much replaced the entire track and are using Millennium Fliers, I'd be surprised if it was rough. It will definitely run faster though since the new trains are shorter than the PTC's were.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Michigan's Adventure

 

I knew I wanted to take a Memorial Day weekend coaster trip to visit Six Flags Great America and Holiday World. The question was what park to hit on the third day. Originally I was planning on hitting Six Flags St. Louis, but that park lacked a true destination coaster for me. It had several good coasters, but nothing with the allure of Shivering Timbers. I openly admit that I made the side-trip entirely for Shivering Timbers so if it were closed (which could have very well happened based on their other coasters as I'll get into), I would have cried enough tears to fill Lake Michigan. This isn't like Dollywood where the park has other great coasters to compensate for the top attraction being down. Was Shivering Timbers worth the drive? Yes.

 

Michigan's Adventure is unanimously considered the red-headed stepchild of the Cedar Fair chain. While every other Cedar Fair park seemingly gets a new ride every year, Michigan's Adventure goes years without new attractions and those attractions added aren't exactly things you'd save up for. The last 3 additions were the flyers in 2013, bumper boats in 2010, and a used SLC in 2008. Michigan's Adventure is probably due for the Knott's Boomerang next knowing their luck. Fortunately, I was able to enjoy a few of their rides installed before Cedar Fair purchased the park.

 

Despite the lack of attention this park gets, it's very clean like the other Cedar Fair parks. I also like how the lake is the centerpiece of the park. However, operations were notably worse at Michigan's Adventure. Stacking was common-place on the two coasters with multiple trains (Shivering Timbers and Thunderhawk). Then the other major coasters all ran just one train which led to painfully slow moving lines. Thankfully being Michigan's Adventure, even on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend the park wasn't that crowded. Everything was a walk-on except Corkscrew which was a 2 train wait and Wolverine Wildcat which was a 30 minute wait. The water park looked like the big draw for the park, but I skipped it due to time.

 

Several coasters were down for part or all of my visit which made getting the credits tricky. Upon arrival about an hour after opening, I was greeted with Corkscrew, Mad Mouse, and Zach's Zoomer all being down. Thank the heavens Shivering Timbers wasn't one of them. Corkscrew opened around 1; Zach's Zoomer opened around 3:30; Mad Mouse was cycling test trains with water dummies when I left around 4. Earlier in the day the workers were pulling a train through the Mad Mouse's course. Ultimately I got on all of the coasters but Mad Mouse.

 

Shivering Timbers- This is easily one of the most imposing coasters around because of how it towers over the empty parking lot with wooden hill after hill. The layout looked tantalizing in photos over the years and seeing it in person did not disappoint. My first ride was in the back and it was a very good 9/10 ride. The drops alternated between mild floater air and strong floater air. The turnaround had pretty good laterals and the final helix had absolutely bonkers laterals. The ride was relatively smooth too. Then I rode in the front seat and that was the money seat. The airtime over each hill was relentless and the ride maintains its speed like my favorite woody in Boulder Dash. I just wish the PTC lap bars didn't staple me down quite as much, which is the one thing keeping it out of my top 5 woodies. If I ever return to Michigan's Adventure, this will likely be the reason and the ride is as good as its reputation suggests. 10 out of 10

 

Wolverine Wildcat- Having not heard much about Shivering Timbers's little brother, I went in expecting a dull and possibly rough ride. I rode in the 2nd to back row and was pleasantly surprised by the Phoenix wannabe (complete with everything including the tunnel at the start). In no way was the airtime comparable to Phoenix, but the coaster was smooth and about 4 or so hills had nice pops of air, highlighted by the double down. I would have ridden it a second time, but I couldn't justify waiting for it again when I could get 3 rides on Timbers in the same time frame. 7 out of 10

 

Zach's Zoomer- The drop-off from Wildcat to the park's third best coaster is immense. Because of its smooth ride, Zach's Zoomer was my third favorite coaster in the park, which is a testament to how poor the steel coasters are at this park. It's a smooth junior woodie, but really nothing special. I think one of the hills gave a pop of air, but that was about it. 4 out of 10

 

Thunderhawk- I had heard on the park forum that Thunderhawk was the smoothest SLC. Having ridden it, I can agree that it tracks the best. What that equates to is a 3/10 ride instead of a 1/10 ride While the head-banging isn't as brutal as other SLCs, it still isn't an enjoyable coaster for me. I really need the vest-restraints on a SLC in order to enjoy these coasters. If Michigan's Adventure got those style trains, this would be my favorite SLC. Without them, it's a pretty looking invert that bashes you in the head with a rattle instead of a hammer like other SLCs. 3 out of 10

 

Corkscrew- I went in expecting a ride similar to Canobie's Corkscrew. In some ways, it was true. The first drop had a nice pop of air and the corkscrews weren't overly brutal. So why the low score? The trains. Canobie's trains have plenty of leg room for me. These trains were extremely tight and even though I'm a skinny guy, I could barely get the restraint down since my knees were pointing upwards. 3 out of 10

 

Big Dipper- The looks I got from the other kids riding this was priceless, but it's all part of being a coaster whore. As far as kiddie coasters, this one was reasonably smooth and a bit taller, but let's not get excited. It's not a kiddie coaster at Knoebels. 2 out of 10

 

The only non-coaster I rode was the wet/dry water slide HydroBlaster. The slide was reasonably fast and managed to not drench me which is what I was looking for. The flume had a full queue when I passed it, so I unfortunately had to skip it. Grand Rapids looked like a very well themed river rapids ride and the name is perfect for the park, but I didn't want to get bombarded with waterfalls considering I had a long drive after leaving to Indiana Beach.

 

Michigan's Adventure is an easy park to pick on, but it is a decent park buoyed entirely by the awesomeness known as Shivering Timbers. If it were a local park, I'd definitely visit it at least once a year. However, as a park really out of the way from enthusiasts, I can't see myself returning until the park adds a great second coaster to compliment Shivering Timbers.

1817756827_CorkscrewBrakeRun.thumb.JPG.260b2b87ce5ecc644c5e80bd44ad3977.JPG

Speaking of a one train operation.

1032393680_CorkscrewFirstDrop.thumb.JPG.94746af13b2aad97419f67de13fbb6c3.JPG

Corkscrew was as smooth as an Arrow corkscrew could be, but the trains were way too cramped for the ride to be comfortable.

579221744_FunnelofFear.thumb.JPG.ee531f8491188ca780f4416bf71c4ee5.JPG

The water park looked to be the park's main draw even on a not-so-warm day.

2006850531_GiantGondolaWheel.thumb.JPG.06501a3e140331c1cc6d2102039e34de.JPG

A great way to see the park and the empty fields that exist around the park.

1662769921_GrandRapidsWaterfall.thumb.JPG.df51025b65a713f5e0b32d4f9e1c0266.JPG

I don't think that guy wants to get drenched on a 65 degree day.

1218169941_GrandRapids.thumb.JPG.4cb66dcd2a21dcd7f6ac0c1c094d2cae.JPG

The park's water ride selection was pretty good. Grand Rapids is the most perfect name for a river rapids attraction.

HydroBlaster.thumb.JPG.434895cc98fbff7072c86073e805d261.JPG

HydroBlaster was the only non-coaster I rode and it was the perfect amount of wetness and a decently fast slide too.

IMG_6728.thumb.JPG.28f20b1442769caab743b5865abcb9ea.JPG

When I left, they graduated to water dummy testing, but I wasn't going to wait for this mouse credit.

Lake.thumb.JPG.f4900e1f766f39f9ba1ea7e5c8ef3a8d.JPG

SLCs may suck but they are photogenic rides.

1832392063_LoggersRun.thumb.JPG.d94a33da4ab0f947ae9c2c3135734b13.JPG

The flume (along with Wolvering Wildcat) was the only ride with any sort of wait. I prefer low-to-the-ground layouts on flumes, but I still wish I had time to try it. Probably would have been the park's 3rd best ride.

1871703763_MadMouseBreakdown.thumb.JPG.9e39afb24cc3fea548faccb88bc32797.JPG

Honestly this would have been the park's best steel coaster. Sadly it didn't open since the employees were dragging a train through the top turns.

1720523231_ShiveringTimbersEntrance.thumb.JPG.272ffd8e9e85a59f02158b6252ed5311.JPG

Shivering Timbers was worth the side-trip. It was a 10/10 ride in the front, a 9/10 ride in the back. I loved how well the ride kept its speed and the coaster is an airtime buffet mixing mild floater air with strong floater air. And that final helix really piles on the laterals.

1749700683_ShiveringTimbersFirstDrop.thumb.JPG.e7d332d87d141a86d2ffce5d56aac5f6.JPG

The sole reason I entered the state of Michigan.

610582_ShiveringTimbersLiftHill.thumb.JPG.e36174593ecff4a54ff0f6ed4d350133.JPG

This woody gives enthusiasts woodies, me included.

1121863587_ShiveringTimbersTurnaround.thumb.JPG.830ad5245d95e2eecb917614f204e756.JPG

Goodbye Shivering Timbers. Hell may freeze over before this park gets another great coaster, so it may be a while until I see you again.

1128174158_SnoopyBoutique.thumb.JPG.36249759405231fa0a4fba6045ecae2f.JPG

It wouldn't be a Cedar Fair park without everyone's favorite beagle who doesn't look like a beagle.

272653719_SwanBoats.thumb.JPG.254d1bae9819156bfde59511c1ec7700.JPG

Hmmm what else is here? Well it's Michigan so of course there's a lake/pond.

2056789299_ThunderhawkInlineTwist.thumb.JPG.a9aa69edd0c682abd2dd6a84908cf463.JPG

SFNE's Mind Eraser and Kentucky Kingdom's T3 restraints showed me SLCs need vest restraints or it's going to be a bad time.

177565091_ThunderhawkPhotos.thumb.JPG.522ae8a3544c2e28d89cf606d3a28e1e.JPG

Though for just $13 you can forever remember the contorted faces and screams of pain from your Thunderhawk ride.

916668648_ThunderhawkRollOver.thumb.JPG.d8f7d8ab6281e2db9204ccbc83bc87ab.JPG

I had heard this was the smoothest SLC. I can agree with that. It's a mediocre 3/10 ride instead of a painful dumpster fire 1/10 kind of ride.

Trabant.thumb.JPG.f1a1c51cfbde3e13073aa5071f68c08b.JPG

The flats don't get much better. This looked to be the park's best and most thrilling flat.

1228381058_WolverineWildcatFirstDrop1.thumb.JPG.42fce87a1c0b181d584e09d3b94c2324.JPG

Wolverine Wildcat is a Phoenix knockoff. It's almost as smooth as Phoenix, but the air-time is no where close.

1019325115_WolverineWildcatFirstDrop3.thumb.JPG.ade60430daf3cad186eecf142ba1a239.JPG

It's a decent coaster with 4 or so pops of air and the setting is great, but a one train operation made it a one and done for me.

224524503_WolverineWildcatTunnel.thumb.JPG.257edda193d78c65d1ed04374387b999.JPG

The coaster even has the same tunnel to start the ride.

493489305_ZachsZoomer.thumb.JPG.2f5f8aef6ff60c596c3cc646017e0041.JPG

Finally a smooth but subpar coaster. It's a junior woody but it's better than any of the park's steel coasters.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great photographs! I usually love small parks like Adventureland (Iowa), Frontier City, Magic Springs, etc. but this park does not entice me at all. Sure it has Shivering Timbers, Mad Mouse, and Thunderhawk (I love Vekoma rides) but overall it just seems so sad. I get that Cedar Fair wants to keep it a family park since it is "close" to Cedar Point, but they could at least add a family ride every year or so. They didn't even get one of the rides that Cedar Fair bought used (I would have LOVED to see the Breakdance go to Michigan's Adventure, maybe even a Troika). What does Cedar Fair do with most of the money that this park makes? They don't even repaint their coasters.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great photographs! I usually love small parks like Adventureland (Iowa), Frontier City, Magic Springs, etc. but this park does not entice me at all. Sure it has Shivering Timbers, Mad Mouse, and Thunderhawk (I love Vekoma rides) but overall it just seems so sad. I get that Cedar Fair wants to keep it a family park since it is "close" to Cedar Point, but they could at least add a family ride every year or so. They didn't even get one of the rides that Cedar Fair bought used (I would have LOVED to see the Breakdance go to Michigan's Adventure, maybe even a Troika). What does Cedar Fair do with most of the money that this park makes? They don't even repaint their coasters.

 

I think it gets reinvested into the other parks. I think it's about as far as Cedar Point as Kings Island is so I really don't see why they can't add more flats. Shivering Timbers makes the park worth visiting but the lineup is so thin after that.

 

Will they be able to run 2 trains on Wildcat with the renovation?

 

Yes but who knows if they'll ever operate it with 2 trains

 

True they barely run 2 trains on Boulder Dash.

 

I've never visited Michigan's Adventure, mainly because it's a bit "off the beaten path." Shivering Timbers looks great, though.

 

It is off the beaten path but the drive through Michigan is really nice at least. Unlike Indiana where it's driving through cornfields, there are lakes, forests, and a random Dutch Village park/fun center on the way there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the report. This is the only Cedar Fair park I've not been to. I've heard so much about Shivering Timbers in the past, and glad it's still good. Sounds like the other woodie is worth a ride or two also. I love Phoenix at Knobels so much that I even moved to Phoenix! Sounds like I need to take a trip off the beaten path...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • 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/