Could Yankee Harbor Return to California’s Great America?
With the announcement of Carolina Harbor (and the all-but-certain expansion of the water park at California’s Great America in the near future), it got me thinking…
Could California’s Great America score some MAJOR brownie points and pull off one of the biggest throwbacks EVER with the re-branding of their Boomerang Bay water park to one of the classic Marriott-era themed areas – Yankee Harbor?
Admit it – this is a perfect name for a water park inside “GREAT AMERICA.” Photo by: Kris Rowberry.
During the Paramount-era, it wasn’t uncommon to use a singular brand across multiple parks. After all, it was cheaper and the design team only had to do one thing. But the Carowinds announcement may signal that Cedar Fair is looking to create not a singular brand identity across all their parks, but an INDIVIDUAL PARK IDENTITY.
Boomerang Bay was originally themed after Crocodile Dundee movies – but once Paramount bailed on the park, licensing forced a slight change in name. But the name really doesn’t work with the rest of the park. (Aussie area in GREAT AMERICA?) The park has already made significant efforts to revive Orleans Place, with signage and background music, so could this be the next, logical step?
What better way to mesh the old theme of the park than with a newly expanded, American-themed water park that – let’s face it – would be the GREATEST THROWBACK EVER (I.E. even I’d buy merch if it had the classic logo integrated somehow). Nostalgia sells these days – just ask the people at Busch Gardens Williamsburg who can’t keep up with demand for their Big Bad Wolf shirts…
Plus, maybe the park could get the old lighthouse to spin up and shine again.
What do you think – would you welcome a return to “Yankee Harbor” or does “Boomerang Bay” still work for you? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think:
Fury 325: From Dreams to Screams documentary
I’ve posted in the past how coaster videos are shifting – from just POV to entire documentary-style video productions. One of the artists at that forefront is Devin Olson, whom I have immense respect for.
Yesterday, he debuted his latest film – a project nearly two years in the making…
Do yourself a favor – sit back, relax and enjoy this breathtaking look at the construction of one of the tallest roller coasters in the world today, Fury 325 at Carowinds:
Travel Channel’s Thrill Factor: Needs More Hosts, Less POV
I’ve written at length in the past about just how poor the current slate of amusement park shows are, but mid-summer this year, there was a glimmer of hope. A new show, starring former Mythbusters stars Kari Byron and Tori Belleci began filming and was being promoted on social media:
“Thrill Factor,” produced for the Travel Channel by BASE Productions, seemed to have everything going for it – personable hosts with a resume of quality, entertaining programming. So, has the show lived up to the lofty expectations of both theme park and Mythbuster fans?
Sadly, not for me.
Let’s begin with the premise…something tells me the elevator pitch for this show was: “It’s Mythbusters – at an amusement park.” And the segments with Kari and Tori are the best parts of the show – as you’d expect from seasoned pros like them.
The hosts test a different theory revolving around rides each and every episode – which sounds great, but I suspect they’ll run out of things pretty quickly. But then – just as the show is about to eclipse the lift hill into excitement – the show quite literally goes off the proverbial coaster rails and quickly transitions from the host segment into a new one, where POV footage (forward and reverse) is shown.
Now, I’m not sure if the show just ran out content and had to fill time – but the seemingly random cuts to POV give the show a manic feel, as if the viewer is assumed to have ADHD and couldn’t possibly focus for more than five minutes at a time onto the screen.
The POV segments take what could have been a fun concept – and just kills it, whereas focusing on both Byron and Belleci would have sufficed and indeed, made the show better, in my opinion.
If the content isn’t there to fill the full half hour – something’s wrong with the concept. Kari and Tori – who are very good at interacting with their fans on social media and are genuinely nice people in real life, too – deserve better after helping refine one of the most successful, educational and entertaining shows ever to come out of Discovery Channel.
According to the most recent IMDB rating – it looks like I’m not the only one who thinks the show could use some off-season work:
FULL DISCLOSURE: Along with my producers on the “Legacy of Arrow Development” roller coaster documentary: Nicholas Laschkewitsch and Robert Ingle, we’re still looking for a partner on our own amusement park travel program, of which you can find our teaser trailer conveniently located below:
No wonder Travel Channel never called me back after my audition for “Travel Channel Star” back in February…this show was already in development…
BOTTOM LINE: Drop the POV segments from the show and expand the host’s time on screen – and you have the rare opportunity to have a “coaster show” that lasts longer than two seasons.
Preventing Theft at an Amusement Park
Nothing puts a damper on your day more at an amusement park more than having your stuff stolen. A day of fun and excitement can quickly turn to a day of stress and agony – but if you follow these simple tips – you can better protect yourself from becoming a victim in a place you shouldn’t have to worry about anything.
1.) Limit the stuff you bring to the park
This SHOULD go without saying – but with the explosion in consumer technology in the past decade, you’ll probably be tempted to bring your phone, camera, iPod or even iPad to the park.
Don’t.
Your phone is a necessary evil now, but there’s no reason to be a Padhole by bringing your tablet to a park to ruin shows, parades and be a target for thieves. Trust me, you’ll be able to wait in line without checking your Facebook status. It’s probably for the better, anyway.
And don’t become complacent just because you’re at a higher-end park. Don’t believe me? Check this story out about how an iPhone was stolen after only 10 seconds of being set down on a Fast Pass machine at California Adventure:
2.) Get a locker
Look, no one likes to pay more money than they have to when you go out, but lockers are a great way to ensure your stuff is secure – and you won’t have to worry about it. On the negative side – these tend to be in the front of the park, where they can be
3.) Use bins provided on ride platforms
By heeding these suggestions, you can help mitigate your risk of theft the next time you visit an amusement or theme park. Just ask these folks: http://theenemyisgood.blogspot.com/2014/11/theft-at-dca.html?spref=fb
God and Aliens Tell Woman To Go To Closed Amusement Park
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before…
A woman accused of leaving her eight-month-old baby alone in the parking lot of a Carolina-based amusement park says God and aliens told her she needed to see the park.
Francis Greene and her boyfriend, Jason Lee, reportedly left the infant inside a truck in the Carowinds’ parking lot back in April, according to a report from the York County Sheriff’s Office.
Security at Carowinds found the vehicle abandoned in the drop-off area of the parking lot and found an eight-month old baby inside the vehicle, alone, and crying.
The guard called investigators and said it was nearly 20 minutes before Greene and Lee came back to the vehicle.
Lee told investigators that Greene wanted to see the park, so he came with her to see it. They reportedly initially took the little boy inside, but brought him back to the truck.
Greene told investigators that she “heard voices from God telling her to go to the park,” the report states.
“The voices that she thought were God, were actually extra-terrestrials, and that they wanted her to leave her body behind and come with them,” deputies said Greene told them. “Greene said that she decided against that because she wanted to stay with her family.”
Read the full story from WBTV here: http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/27906860/report-woman-says-god-aliens-told-her-to-go-see-amusement-park?clienttype=generic&mobilecgbypass
Busch Gardens’ Roller Coaster Insider Tour a Must for Thrill Seekers
If you’re looking for the ultimate thrill seeker’s dream – look no further than Busch Gardens WIlliamsburg, and their Roller Coaster Insider Tour.
For starters – you’ll get to ride to the top of Griffon, the park’s B&M Dive Coaster, via the emergency funicular. From 205 feet up, you’ll learn how the ride works and see some of the massive trains in the maintenance bay.
Then, you’ll head over to Alpengeist – where you’ll see how they transfer trains out of the maintenance bay – as well as how the magnetic brakes work.
From there, you’ll visit Verbolten – and get to peek inside the darkened show building. Trust me, it’s a treat despite being a bit dark.
Finally, you’ll end up at Loch Ness Monster, learning incredible facts about the world’s only interlocking loop ride and how one section of track is particularly special.
Still not sold? Check out this video from the park:
Did I mention you get to ride all the coasters after learning all about them? So what are you waiting for?!? To book the tour, visit www.BuschGardens.com for details!
Roller Coaster Videos Moving From POV to Storytelling
There’s been a subtle, but noticeable trend recently when it comes to “roller coaster videos” online. And we think it’s for the better and far overdue.
While there are some that still continue to tape GoPros to the front of trains and then monetize (commericalize) their work – all without permits or sometimes without park knowledge – there is a growing trend among park fans to elevate the medium to a far more sophisticated level. What do I mean?
Well, check out this awesome, short documentary on Thunderbird at Holiday World:
Coupled with the work of Devin Olson Media, particularly on his “From Dreams to Screams” documentary series – the world of amusement fandom has gone from handheld ride footage to bona fide storytelling:
And we couldn’t be happier to see this trend. So, how can you help elevate the medium? Subscribe to these storytelling channels – while POV is fun, it’s telling a story that leaves a true mark on people.
Shameless plug: “Legacy of Arrow Development” documentary is still scheduled to make it’s debut later this year. Time to raise your game, everyone!
Is this the worst amusement park trip report ever?
This video won’t last too long on YouTube – so enjoy it while you can. This may be the worst trip report ever posted. Or maybe the best, depending on your personal taste…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCsYMyHhCv8
Pretty sure Six Flags Discovery Kingdom doesn’t want or need this sort of “ringing” endorsement.
Frontier City Did NOT Discriminate Against Child With Prosthetic Leg
There’s been quite a bit of buzz on social media with a story involving a waterpark and a young child, who was denied on a waterslide because she has a prosthetic leg.
Many people have seen the headline and immediately assumed the park had discriminated against the eight year old – who was told she could not ride the slides at Frontier City, “…because the prosthetic leg she has could scratch the slide.”
Read the story, here, then come back here to read my opinion:
http://kdvr.com/2015/07/21/family-water-park-discriminated-against-little-girl-with-prosthetic-leg/
Let’s start with some obvious problems: the father is angry, because the park did not list on it’s rules, regulations that someone with a prosthetic leg could not ride the slides. Here’s the problem – he also said he would expect to see a list of every possible scenario where someone could not enjoy the park listed for them.
Really? They don’t even do that for airplane flights.
Quite simply, there’s no way that’s feasible. The sign would be literally twenty feet tall and impossible to read. No park can accurately predict each and EVERY situation in which there may be an issue with a specific guest, and then put it down in writing. That’s what ride operators are for – to interpret the safety of the guest and the park.
In this case – the ride op was CORRECT to deny the rider – because if the prosthetic leg had scratched the slide, the next guests would have been cut by the plastic – exposing potential bloodborne pathogens and a litany of lawsuits. If the leg didn’t behave like a regular one – who’s to say it wouldn’t have injured the young girl? It’s a damned if you do, damned if you don’t scenario.
Now, I’m not saying that there cannot BE a way for this young guest to experience a waterslide (there must be a low friction cover of some kind that could be placed over it or an attachment preventing any metal or “scratchable” material from making contact with the slide) but the park had every right to prevent her from riding – no matter how much “emotional distress” it caused her or her family. Fact is – it was for her safety and the safety of others around her.
Yes, it sucks having to walk down the entrance, but I’ve been denied on a waterslide because I wore a swimsuit with metal washers – and when I realized it – I totally understood.
The father was also angry with park management, who had security escort them to the front to speak with park management. Now, I’ve worked in parks – and the ONLY time someone is escorted to the front is when they’re being a disruption to others. While the sympathetic side of the story is with the family – having security escort your family to the front gate indicates to me that weren’t being the pictures of innocence.
People are denied on rides everyday. They are built for roughly 90% of the total population. Some people may be too short – others too tall or too large. But they don’t go to the local news station.
To sum up – this isn’t a story on discrimination based on a disability…it’s an overblown and daily occurrence at parks, that just happened to involve an eight year old amputee with a boisterous family, who happened to hit a slow news week with a buzz-worthy headline. (And I would know – I WORK at a news station)…
Jeremy Clarkson Rides a Roller Coaster With His Mum
It turns out adrenaline can transfer from the race track…to the coaster track.
While members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts are romping through the British countryside this week as part of their UK Tour 2015 – now seems like the perfect opportunity to share this wonderful BBC segment of former Top Gear presenter, Jeremy Clarkson and his mother…on Arrow’s (then) record breaking “Big One” at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Quite simply, it’s “brilliant!”
(Video credit: BBC)
US Navy Uses Roller Coaster Tech on New Aircraft Carrier
Who would have thought technology that was born in the amusement world would find it’s way to the battlefield.
Introducing, the Navy’s most modern carrier launching system – LSM. Yup – that same frictionless launch we’ve come to know and love on launching coasters will soon be launching fighter jets and the like – protecting our freedom to go out and have fun.
The most common launch on carriers is a pressurized steam system that hasn’t really changed in nearly 60 years. Boy, are they in for a shock when they get their first LSM launch…
This test / demonstration was done off the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford, CVN 78 using the durable and popular GoPro HERO cameras. Admit it – you would have taken a ride if they let you…
Roar wooden coaster at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom to close August 16
On Thursday, July 16th, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom posted across their social media outlets – as well as via a press release – that their GCl wooden coaster, Roar will be shutting down forever on August 16th. The timing is fortuitous – the last day of operation will be National Roller Coaster Day in the United States.
Photo credit: Kris Rowberry, http://www.GreatAmericanThrills.net
“We are a dynamic and evolving entertainment venue,” said Don McCoy, park president. “Although Roar continues to be a guest favorite, sometimes hard choices must be made to allow for future expansion.”
Roar opened in 1999 as the park was officially re-branded as the “New Marine World Theme Park” – which brought several new shows and attractions, restaurants and shops to the park. An estimated 11 million guests have experienced the 10-story coaster which features the first use of GCI’s throwback “Millennium Flyer” single bench, articulated trains.
According to the park, a special fond farewell to Roar will include a series of events for guests and Season Pass holders, the highlight of which will be a special last rider event.
How much will this skyline change after Roar is shut down forever this year? Only time will tell… (Photo credit: Kris Rowberry, http://www.GreatAmericanThrills.net)
The shutdown fuels rumors that the ride may be next in the Six Flags chain to receive some sort of renovation from roller coaster manufacturer, Rocky Mountain Construction. While none of this has been confirmed by the park or RMC, a job posting several weeks ago that advertised several temporary positions available in California has had some in the industry speculate that the Roar project was what they were advertising for.
The ride had become particularly rough over the past few years, culminating with a major track replacement which involved removal and replacement of approximately 1/4 of the total length of the ride last year.
Riding Roller Coasters to Preserve History
With the exception of wooden roller coasters, most of today’s state of the art thrill rides are designed by European firms. But in the 1960’s, Northern California-based Arrow Development was the company that parks around the world came to for the latest in steel coaster innovation.
Last month, a small crew of volunteers from American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) Worldwide, Inc. crisscrossed the country to tell the story of an American manufacturing legend that entertained millions. The team visited amusement and theme parks with prominent Arrow rides, including: Six Flags Over Texas, Cedar Point, Kennywood, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Lagoon Park and Silverwood Theme Park.
Nicholas Laschkewitsch is the Video Promotions Coordinator for American Coaster Enthusiasts:
“The story of Arrow is the story of the American dream,” said Laschkewitsch. “Four steel workers quit their jobs to form their own company in a car garage and quite literally, turned the world upside down.”
Kris Rowberry is the Executive Producer, as well as the host of “The Lost Parks of Northern California”:
“Everyone knows Silicon Valley as a hotbed for technological innovations,” said Rowberry. “But few know that the valley that gave us Google and iPhones also spawned the world’s first log flume and corkscrew roller coaster. It truly is a forgotten piece of our national history.”
Robert Ingle is a Producer on the film as well as a Photographer:
“This project will literally bring history to life, as well as preserve it for generations to come.”
The public is welcome to join the team on the journey by following American Coaster Enthusiasts on social media or by using the #RideWithACE and #LegacyofArrow hashtags. Fans can also visit: my.aceonline.org/arrow
About ACE: Founded in 1978, ACE is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters. With more than 5,000 members across the globe, ACE is the largest amusement park enthusiast organization in the world. In addition, numerous television outlets such as the Travel Channel have prominently featured ACE and it’s members.
Vortex standup roller coaster at California’s Great America to go floorless rumor
There’s been quite a bit of chatter over those few weeks in regards to rides and attractions that could be coming down the pipeline, so I figured I’d take the time to address one in particular – Vortex at California’s Great America being next in line for a floorless conversion.
Let’s start with how this rumor even came about. Longtime Cedar Point Public Relations Manager, Janice Witherow apparently told the paper (and was printed as saying so) that, “…Cedar Fair plans to do the same with other aging coasters in its portfolio, including one next year at its park near San Francisco.”
I don’t think I’ve ever seen another park spoil the announcement of a new ride…for another park. Let alone one in your own chain. That being said…
Why this would be a good idea:
The facial expression on the riders says everything…
1.) Standup coasters were a fad. They require two different locking systems which slows down capacity – and they aren’t the most comfortable riding position. Basically, it was throwing the adage of, “…don’t stand up on a coaster” to the wind. But that was about it. The last new standup to be built: 1999’s “Georgia Scorcher.”
2.) Also, the conversion could theoretically smooth out the ride, the second B&M ever built. It’s a marketable product with a minimal investment. Seems like a safe, economical idea. Even if the conversion isn’t that popular, it’s only about the same amount as the revamp of Planet Snoopy – as opposed to a new, $22 million hypercoaster from B&M.
Why this would be a bad idea:
1.) This is the park’s 40th anniversary. It’s been through some rough times in the past decade, but most will argue the park has emerged from the doldrums and is making strides to become a destination park. This addition (if true) just screams, “meh” to me.
But, upon further research, recent “anniversary” celebrations haven’t been very stellar or marketable at this park for awhile:
2001 – 25th Anniversary: Removal of the beloved Scenic Railway for cancelled S&S Hypersonic coaster. Addition of Psycho Mouse and used Wave Swinger from Carowinds.
2006 – 30th Anniversary: Survivor: The Ride re-named Tiki Twirl.
2011 – 35th Anniversary: Invertigo removed; three new shows; Halloween Haunt expansion.
You have to go all the way back to 1996 and the 20th anniversary season to see a record breaking or marketable new attraction in an anniversary year: Drop Zone Stunt Tower.
Medusa at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is three times longer and twice as high as Vortex.
2.) The park’s direct competition (Six Flags Discovery Kingdom) already has a taller, faster, longer and smoother version of this ride. (Medusa). I can speak from personal and direct experience – Rougarou didn’t make Mantis much better, if better at all. It’s still rough in spots, although the capacity is slightly higher now due to faster loading. Not that we waited longer than 10 minutes to ride (Millennium Force and Maverick had hour long waits while we were there, for comparison).
Let’s just hope that if the conversion takes place, it’ll include a covered loading station…like they should have done back in 1991 when it first opened…
Now, this is ALL conjecture – no official announcement has been made – but if the park does decide to convert Vortex to floorless, they’re going to have one HELL of a time in a market that is already ultra-competitive for entertainment dollars. Plus, we haven’t even addressed that RMC rumor up in Vallejo…
Are Roller Coasters Safe?
In light of recent events with “the Smiler” at Alton Towers – and the inevitable 24/7 news coverage about it, it’s good to have some perspective on events like it.
So, before you start clicking on those “roller coaster accident” click-bait links, or go off on social media, spouting that, “…all rides are unsafe and you’ll never go on one again” (liar), here’s some “odds of” over your lifetime that should bring you some perspective:
The odds of dying on a roller coaster as a result or either neglect or act of God are approximately 1 in 300,000,000. That’s 300 MILLION for those who stopped counting zeroes. This is according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Also…
The odds of being killed in a car crash in the United States: 1 in 470
The odds of being killed by lightning: 1 in 164,968
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot: 1 in 259,000,000
The odds of bowling a perfect game in bowling: 1 in 11,500
The odds of marrying a supermodel: 1 in 880,000
The odds of being killed by a shark: 1 in 300,000,000
The odds of drowning in a pool: 1 in 567
The odds of being killed by a terrorist: 1 in 20,000,000
The bottom line: you should be fearing those numbnuts in ISIS, planning how to spend all that lottery jackpot money or discussing how you’ll spend your honeymoon with Kate Upton or Gabriela Fernandes before you EVER think twice about jumping on your favorite roller coaster.
SIDE BAR: Kate or Gabriela, you’re welcome to join me on ANY coaster, ANYtime!
(Warning: NSFW) http://www.gq.com/women/photos/201207/kate-upton-gq-video-talents-wet-t-shirt-july-2012
85 year old rides roller coasters at Geauga Lake
The phrase “young at heart” is thrown around often in our society, but I’m pretty sure this video encapsulates it perfectly. (Plus, some bonus “Lost Parks” footage, too!)
GoPro fail roller coaster photo goes viral for all the wrong reasons
San Mateo based GoPro learned the hard way on Tuesday that not every photo taken with their venerable cameras is the best to highlight to a larger audience.
On Tuesday, the company posted this photo to all of their social media accounts, from Gopro / coaster fan, Peter Win:
Screenshot credit to our friends over at: http://www.ParkJourney.com
While the photo is quite spectacular – it’s also spectacularly against the rules to even attempt.
In addition to the selfie stick being a loose article aboard the ride – the dangers of smacking a low beam, hitting a fellow passenger or jamming part of the ride’s mechanical systems SHOULD have made it clear not to even attempt. Park rules clearly state this not only in line, but also as you board. We also heard reports of riders with mounted cameras on their body being asked NOT to wear them.
They don’t call those beams “headchoppers” for nothing.
So called, “selfie sticks” have damaged rides at both Disneyland and Disney World due to clearance issues, in addition to ruining the experience for everyone around the user.
The New Texas Giant – the ride featured in the photo – hits a top speed of 65 miles per hour with a first drop of 79 degrees.
Surprisingly, when you filtered out the inevitable spam, every single comment on the photo questioned why the company would post a photo that so blatantly broke the rules and endangered other riders. You’ll note I’m writing in the past tense – that’s because the company took the photo down just a few hours after initially posting it.
Let’s be blunt – they got HAMMERED with negative comments.
But I believe the hammering might be for the better in the long run, as it indicates something greater: a vast majority of people are finally recognizing that the “selfie stick” is not only incredibly annoying, it’s downright dangerous in many situations it’s being put into.
And it’s not just ride enthusiasts recognizing this. Many in the “general public” are finally seeing that extending a three foot pole on a ride moving at freeway speeds – all for a photo or video – isn’t the smartest decision.
In other words, there’s hope that the “selfie stick fad” may be just that – a fad.
We can hope cell phone recording on rides goes away too, right?
What do you think? Will so-called “selfie sticks” eventually find their way to the trash heap? Or will incidents like this become more common? Tell us on our social media channels, or leave a comment below:
The Simulator that People are Dying to Try Out
Ever want to experience death, but without the whole, “being gone forever” part?
Well then, thrill seekers – pack your bags for China, where a new 4D cremation simulator might be just the ticket.
You read correctly…CREMATION. And you thought simulators were going out of style…
According to UPI, the ride is called Samadhi: 4D Experience of Death. It’s designed to give riders the sensation of being dead, cremated and then reborn.
The details are sure to send shivers up your spine. You’ll first enter a morgue, then you’re placed in a single passenger casket (complete with lapbar no less) to begin your journey from this world to the other. Sounds like someone took this scene from “Diamonds are Forever” a little TOO far in my opinion…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msnkzttcpdc
(Clip ownership: EON Productions / MGM. Used under “Fair Use” doctrine of copyright law)
The actual “cremation” is a sudden blast of hot air over the rider, along with flashes of light to simulate the flames. Did we mention the temperatures are up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit? We probably should have mentioned that.
Finally – and as if it gets any crazier – an image of a womb is projected onto the ceiling and riders must crawl out of their open air coffins until they reach a white, padded room, to be “reborn.”
Count me the f*ck out.
And for that “authentic” feel, know the creators of the ride pulled something straight out of Disney Imagineering, by visiting a real crematorium and even took a quick lay down in the actual incinerator.
Those who have watched riders exit note they’ve been drenched in sweat – whether that’s from the heat in the attraction or just from the fear, I suppose we’ll have to leave up to the imagination.
Here’s the whole story from UPI, by the way: http://bit.ly/1epfUPX
What do you think? Would you ride a “Death simulator?” Talk to me on my social media channels or leave a comment below!
The Most Celebrated Amusement Park Insider Experiences
It’s good to know people. But it’s even better to know there’s all sorts of things inside our favorite amusement and theme parks that can make your day that much more special, IF you know them! Here now is my top six most celebrated amusement and theme park “insider” experiences as parks open up for full time operation this week:
6.) Dole Whip:
The Dole Whip is heaven in a plastic cup. Don’t believe me? Try it and tell me otherwise…
Once only reserved for visitors to Disney’s Tiki Rooms, this Polynesian frozen treat is slowly making its way out from the mouse and into regional parks, to the delight of pineapple fans everywhere. If you haven’t experienced one yet – hunt it down or request it be brought to your park.
5.) The Rollback:
We ain’t talking about WalMart here…an exclusive experience to Intamin cable-launched coasters, this delightful event occurs when the launch isn’t quite strong enough to get you over the first hill, resulting in screams of euphoria from enthusiasts – and shrieks of horror from the general public.
In reality, it’s all perfectly safe and for the lucky riders, it’s like getting 1.5 rides for the wait of just one!
4.) The Round-Trip Skyway Ride:
These guests took too many round trips…
Because nothing’s better than watching all those people in line scratch their head over why you’re not getting out of your sky bucket. But, with so many of these rides being removed in recent years, plus the increase in overall park attendance (which means longer lines for rides) this experience has become far more difficult to cross off your list.
3.) The Track Walk / Evacuation:
While a rare event, a lift walk is one of the coolest things you can experience.
A very rare event that you don’t necessarily want to root for experiencing for yourself. Why? Because it most certainly means the ride will be down for at LEAST the rest of the operating day.
But the experiencing of walking a coaster lift is most certainly a memorable one.
2.) The Last Ride of the Night:
Something about no one standing behind you in line that’s really special…
There is something oddly cathartic about knowing you’re the last person to experience all that fun. Well, at least until the mechanics come in tomorrow morning to start checking on things. this fun. But, until then…
And the number one most celebrated amusement park insider experience?
1.) Exclusive Ride Time (ERT):
ERT is the best benefit to being a member of ACE!
The only thing better than the last ride of the night, is having the ride all to yourself or the group you’re at the park with!
Just think about it – no line and fast operations. It doesn’t get any better than that. Heck, it’s one of the biggest reasons I joined ACE!
Did I miss an experience? Do you have one to add to the list? Tell me about it on my social media channels or leave a comment below!
The Most Adorable Roller Coaster Ever Designed
My sister shared these photos with me yesterday – as one of my nieces was feeling a bit crafty and created her own “roller coaster.” So naturally, I had to share them with all of you!
According to the “lead engineer,” – who’s still in elementary school – the ride is very advanced, and senses who’s aboard and adjusts the intensity based on the age group. So, if a baby is aboard – it’ll move at a crawl. And in the middle of the ride? Well, it stops to let passengers off to pet the dog.
Are all your cutes overloaded, yet?
If a group of teenagers on it – the ride will sense this as well – and go “super fast.” Also, the dog petting will be bypassed.
Oh, to be young…not only at heart, huh? Great job on the coaster, Shelby – keep it up and someday you’ll be working with tubular steel!
Amusement Parks, Mother’s Day and Carpe Diem
WARNING: Emotional post today – be advised…
There are two days out of the year that I do not look forward to. Today (Mother’s Day) is one of them. And it’s certainly not because I hate my Mother. On the contrary – it’s because we lost her.
Some of you know that she passed away from a very aggressive form of Leukemia on August 1st, 2004 (which happens to be the OTHER date on the calendar I’m not fond of).
Yes, the sting does fade over time – but it never truly goes away.
So, while you’re likely to see many “Happy Mother’s Day” posts out there today, I wanted to throw my hat into the ring as well to say, “I love you, Mom. Always and forever.”
And heed my wisdom – even the most inane and seemingly meaningless trip to your local park with your friends and family – can mean everything later on in life. As I always say in my “Lost Parks” presentations to local community groups, “Carpe Diem – sieze the day. You never know when your favorite ride or worse – loved one will no longer be with us.”
Here’s hoping that I make you proud this week, Mom as you look down upon me.
No caption could contain the emotion that this photo brings back to me and my family.
“Grim Grinning Ghosts” played on a huge church organ
There are just some songs that the organ was tailor-made for. “Grim Grinning Ghosts” – the famous theme heard throughout Disney’s Haunted Mansions – would most certainly be one of those songs.
Take a listen to this awesome video from YouTube user “Moller121” and their devilishly fun interpretation of the classic Buddy Baker theme.
Turn up the volume, crank the bass and prepare to be terrorized!
Six Flags Battles Patent Troll and Wins
Six Flags has hit the brakes on a patent infringement lawsuit from a company hoping to profit from a magnetic braking system used on some of their rides.
Photo by Wikipedia user, Sarion
The suit claimed that because Six Flags used magnetic brakes on some of their coasters, they were infringing on the patents the company held. Except, Six Flags bought the control system from a vendor. Turns out this sort of litigation is increasingly common, with the so-called “trolls” betting most large and small companies would rather settle out of court than absorb legal fees.
Six Flags was thankfully not one of those defendants.
Read the full article here: http://www.delawarelawweekly.com/id=1202724096465/Six-Flags-Wins-Summary-Judgment-in-Patent-Suit
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