Maestro

I'm 6'1" - I can fit in the trains on both rides, but SoB is definitely more of a challenge. FoF is snug, but I think it is the raised floor on SoB that causes me the most problems. Still, I would much rather have lap bars than OTSR's. Yes, my legs often hurt after getting off either ride, but that's a much better trade than the pounding headache I used to get on FoF!

Nice find, thanks!

Definitely Vortex (now that it has been painted)

In my opinion, the double helix is the best finale of any coaster out there!

I have only visited this park twice - once when it was the old Geauga Lake and once after Six Flags purchased the park. I think they have a fine collection of rides, but I was extremely disappointed in their operations. I'll always remember the lack-luster attitude of the SF employees and the variety of huge safety concerns that I witnessed when the park was under SF rule. Hopefully Cedar Fair can turn the park around. I think they really have a unique opportunity with both the wildlife and rides - if they would just manage it properly and market it right, the park has potential for success.

Like everyone, I'd be interested to see how Sonny runs with the retracked rose bowl. I'm also looking forward to a few laps on FOF!

From what I understand, the coaster that became "Top Gun" was in the works before Paramount acquired KI. It was supposed to have a different name, but I can't for the life of me remember what the name was supposed to be - maybe Shaggy knows??? I think it had "Thunder" in the title???

Agreed! Can you imagine what kind of logo they would have created for it?

No. It's cool to give feedback, but the folks at the park know what they are doing. While we may not always agree, they do what's best for business. And eventually, good business gets us the rides we do want!

The Beast was originally to be named "The Champion."

Indiana Jones, specifically The Last Crusade.

How about... For those of you now entering the ride, please put one arm through the shoulder strap located on the pole behind you, and place it diagonally across your chest. In order to operate your car, press down on the pedal located in the upper right hand corner of the floor, and always steer in a counter-clockwise direction. Thank you! Or... Please keep moving, an operator will assist your car into the station. Please keep moving. (Repeat over and over and over again, ugh...)

I personally don't think Vortex is that bad. It's a 17 year old steel coaster (and an Arrow one at that) so you have to expect it to be a little bumpy. I think it has aged much better than some of its' counterparts, mainly due to the excellent job of PKI's maintenance department. Could it use the new-style Arrow trains - probably, and that would help a little. But I don't think that would fix the problem. As with most other Arrow loopers, it seems to be that the transitions are the issue - there are definitely several points on the ride where you feel the train "jolt" (someone mentioned the turnaround before the first vertical loop). I agree with Sparky - the ride can be very enjoyable if you ride defensively and anticipate where your head needs to go next. I'm 6'1" and while that keeps the majority of my head above the OTSR, I can still get a swift hit to the jaw if I'm not paying attention. There are so many unique qualities about Vortex however (the first drop when sitting in the back car, the sheer height of the corkscrew, the boomerang element down in the "ravine") that make it well worth it for me. Give me Vortex over some of those other steel loopers (Viper at SFMM, Manhattan Express in Vegas, etc...) any day of the week!

I also went with atmosphere - to me, there's nothing like sitting on International Street at night watching the fireworks feeling the cool mist of the fountains.