Ride On_17

I promise to get the pictures up sometime. It's just hard to take the time to upload and edit them while on vacation. But I will do it...soon! I love Great Adventure and it's a great park. And I can understand about the pricing, it's just something that we have to deal with. Of course it'd be awesome if it was cheaper but sometimes the best things in life come at a high price.

^Isn't that ride awesome? There's nothing else that compares.

So if you've been following my Summer 2013 thread, you'll know that I've been at the Jersey Shore lately. Last year a family friend started working at Six Flags (she does animal shows in a kids area) so she's able to get my family free tickets. My parents and I decided to take a day off from the beach and drive 50 minutes to the park. Of course, it had to be the hottest day in Jersey since we've been here, and that was how it was last year too. We put on lots of sunscreen and had our water bottles ready. Even though the park opened at 10:30 we didn't get there until an hour later. I would've preferred to get there earlier but in the end it worked out great. We wanted to try the new Off-road Safari Adventure since it sounded cool and our family friend who works there suggested it to us. It was already really hot and humid, and sweat was dripping down our bodies even if we stood still. Occasionally there would be a nice breeze but without it we felt miserable. So our 1st stop in the park was at the safari. We waited about 40 minutes for it. Thankfully the queue was pretty much covered so there was plenty of shade, but it still felt extremely hot. While waiting in line for this (and pretty much every line of the day) we drank a bottle of water. We kept refilling it throughout the day at drinking fountains. Who needs to buy expensive drinks when you can just bring a water bottle and reuse it. Anyway, while in line we met a nice couple who we befriended for the rest of the Safari. It's a cool addition to the park. I never went through it when it was separate from the park and you could drive through it personally, so this was my 1st experience with the safari here. It was pretty cool seeing all the types of animals. Halfway through there was an optional stop for an area called Camp Aventura, and we decided to check it out. This part was disappointing since there really wasn't much to see or do. Just a few animals, scarce giraffe feeding times (which we missed), and a zip line that's not even a zip line (it was just a seat, plus it was an expensive upcharge) so looking back I wish we didn't decide to get off here. So then we got back in line, still hot and dripping, and waited to hop on the 2nd half of the ride. More cool animals to see and our tour guide was really good this half of the trip. In total, not including the wait, it took between 1 and 1 1/2 hours to complete the Safari. It was good, and it definitely has potential, especially at the Camp Aventura area. By now it was early afternoon and we were ready to get on some rides. Since it was pretty much right next to the Safari, we went on Bizarro. It only had a station wait and not even 10 minutes later we were riding in the back row. It was as fun as I remembered it. Next we decided to head over to Saw Mill Log Flume. Only my mom and I went on this while my dad took a break. It was about a 40 minute wait, but it was the worst wait of the day since in the queue building there was no air circulating. No fans or misters either. We were dying in there and couldn't wait to get on the ride. Once we finally got on it, it was fun and we were cooled off. From here we stopped and got an ice cream and headed over to where out friend was doing a show. It turned out it had to be cancelled due to low crows (she even warned us ahead of time this has happened recently) but they still brought out the animals so people could see and pet them. Then she took us backstage, we got to meet some of her coworkers, and we got to see a bunch of animals including a 15 pound rabbit. It was fun catching up with her (by the way, she lived next door to us, she was the flower girl for my parents' wedding, and her dad is my dad's boss, who still lives next door). Then it was time to hit up one of our faves, Nitro. It was only about a 20 minute wait. We rode in the front and it was fun, fast, smooth, and intense as always. Next we headed over to El Toro, my #1 roller coaster. It only had a 10 minute wait (Crazy, right?) and I rode in the last row. It was crazy intense, and made me remember why I had given it that #1 spot. Since the line was so short, my mom and I went on it again, this time waiting a 1/2 hour for the front but it was totally worth it. The front's my favorite place to ride on it, but you can't go wrong anywhere. On our 1st ride something actually went flying out of a car in front of us, and it even made me duck to try avoid being hit by it. And while waiting for the front row on the 2nd time, we witnessed I think 3 people tell the ride ops they lost their phone while on the ride. Throughout the day we made sure to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and we'd walk through air conditioned stores. Sometimes we would even go in a bathroom to cool off. I can't stress enough how hot is was, but we managed to get through it. After El Toro we headed over to Kingda Ka. It was a station wait too. My dad didn't want to wait for the front row like my mom and I so he picked a random row and rode it while we kept waiting. When were at the front of the 1st row line, all of sudden the ride shut down. The train that was sitting out on the launch area was slowly rolled back into the station, except it rolled back into the other, unused half of the station. If you've been on KK before, you know that there are 2 load/unload tracks in the station. Anyway, after a test run, they ran it with people. Then it was our turn. We got in the car, the train pulled up into the launch area, and we waited. And we waited. And we kept on waiting. Luckily the sun was setting and it was starting to cool off. It actually was beginning to feel pretty nice and we were able to watch a nice sunset while we were sitting out there. Eventually we got rolled back into the station and we got out and waited. It had broken down again. We had some nice conversations with the ride ops and thankfully they announced the ride would reopen again. By then it was getting dark so we were glad to get a night ride on it. Once again, we got into the car, the train pulled up into the launch area, and this time we actually launched. Like I usually do with Dragster, I manage to put my hands up right as the train is launching and I'm able to keep them up for the duration of the ride. It was really fun, and we were just thankful to finally get on it. It turns out that patience and kindness to ride ops pays off, since when our train came back into the station they let us have a reride. So we stayed in our front row seats and got to ride it a second time. We decided that would be our last ride of the day since we were getting tired and hungry, but it was a great way to end--2 rides in a row on Kingda Ka. Before leaving we stopped in a gift shop. I found a few things, and then we tried to find someplace that was still open so we could get some dinner. It was only 9:30 but everything except ice cream shops were closing down. We saw part of the Looney Toons dance party (not sure if it has an official name) as we were leaving, too. Overall we had a great day even though it was really hot. The low crowds and short lines were awesome, and ironically last year was pretty much the same. It was hot and there were short lines then too. When talking to an employee, we found out there were about 10,000 people in the park, when usually there are 15-20,000 people. Maybe the heat held some people off from going. We got some pictures so hopefully I'll find some time to upload and post them. It was nice to get on more rides than we thought we would, especially since we went on the Safari which took a while. it was also nice that we didn't have to spend too much money since we had free tickets. I still can't get over $22 parking though...But my parents and I had tons of fun. Even though I've been here before, I'll rate several aspects of the park: Rides: 9/10 There is a good selection of rides for all ages, including a great variety of roller coasters. Maybe add a Drop Tower (which I've heard rumored) and possibly another coaster. But there already is an awesome coaster lineup. Staff: 10/10 Every staff member we came across today whether it was in food service, games, merchandise, or ride ops were very friendly. They went above and beyond their jobs to make sure us and every guest had an enjoyable, memorable experience. Atmosphere: 8/10 I enjoy the themed sections of the park and it is a clean park. My biggest complaint is that there need to be fans and misters in queue lines. Some of the lines were miserable since they were so hot. Prices: 6.75/10 Luckily we had free tickets, but normally ticket prices are pretty high. Plus there's the parking which I've already mentioned. As with any park, they always try to make you pay as much as possible, but it was nice that the Safari was included with admission. I could easily see them charging 5 or 10 bucks for it. Safari: 8.25/10 It was nice and relaxing and not your average amusement park attraction. If more stuff is added to Camp Aventura it would make it even better.

Working on a trip report right now. I believe the heat index of 108, it sure felt like it.

It's my birthday

I find it strange how the park opens at 10:30. Why not 10 or 11?

I really do think that supports and track will start going up before the announcement is made, especially if it's during Haunt. It could give the type of coaster away but it's still be a mystery on the stats, exact layout, name, etc. As for colors I'm still hoping for some sort of purple, black, green combo if the name ends up as Banshee. Maybe black supports, purple track with green running rails. I think that would look pretty cool.

I wish Intamins had the reliability of B&Ms. Combine my favorite rides with great reliability and it's a win-win situation.

Tomorrow at the park be sure to drink lots of water and get in some air conditioning occasionally. Right now the forecast is saying a high of 94 and humid. Why is it I always pick the hottest days to go to SFGA? Last year the weather was the same. It was in the 80s and pleasant, and then the day I decide to go to the park it's in the 90s. Oh well, it's a fun park so it will be fun.

On the topic of music, does anyone on here play SongPop? I find that game really fun and addicting. And if I must say, I'm pretty good at it

It wasn't that bad. It's just that the actual ride was as hot as a furnace, the whole place smelled like something I didn't want to know what it was, it was over before I realized it started, and the theming was crap. Sounds pretty awesome to me

Luckily Dragster's ride time is so short. Imagine how much worse its capacity would be if it was a longer ride.

As long as Cedar Point doesn't end up looking like my RCT3 parks, I'll be happy

Life's too short to be in constant worry and paranoia. Think of each day like it's your last and make the best of it. Do what you want to do. Go where you want to go. Say "I love you" to the important people in your life. Focus on the positives and don't bear a burden of thinking bad thoughts. If someday you encounter an act of terrorism, know that there would have been nothing you could have done to stop it. When you're running through the garden, look at the beautiful flowers, not at the ugly weeds. You know the weeds exist, but to live a fulfilling life, move on from thinking the worst. Yes, you should always be on your toes ready for action in case something does happen, but just have fun and accept all life has to offer. Be thankful that a personal encounter with a terrorist attack has a very low probability in this wondrous, free country while people in the Middle East constantly wonder if each step they take will be their last. Don't grow old and look back on your life and have regrets that you didn't do something or go somewhere only because of a nagging, uncalled for worry. Live life to its fullest--no matter what--and have no regrets.

Squeeze your butt together. Hehe

Yes but on an inverts a ton of blood always rushes to your legs which is something I find to be very uncomfortable. I just don't know why, but inverts have always seemed too intense for me and not very fun to make up for it. I guess it has to do with the center of gravity... I actually came up with a trick to not get that feeling. I hate that feeling of blood rushing to my legs and since there are many coasters that your feet hang in some way, I tested a theory and sure enough it works. Just squeeze you stomach, legs, and feet as hard as you can and you don't get that sensation. As long as you squeeze your muscles hard enough, you won't have a problem. I've never felt that feeling of blood rushing to my feet ever since I started doing this.

I really wish I lived closer to KI so I could go to any of these events. I guess I still could but I don't really feel like driving 4 hours there and back in 1 day. I guess there's always the possibility of staying overnight in a hotel but I'm not sure my parents would want to do that...

I remember seeing those back when they were 1st posted and I became really excited. Granted these are just enthusiast plans on what we want, but they're really good plans. And Interpreter, what you're referring to with future plans and such, if what you are hinting at is true, would you be able to at least give a year we could see this happen? Next year? 2015? And I also heard an interesting rumor that Cedars won't get removed next year but the year after...And instead Gold would be removed next year. There's also been talk of removing Corkscrew and adding a new family looping coaster in its spot. I just don't know what to believe. And then there's this: https://twitter.com/TonyClarkCP/status/350277692849008640/photo/1 Could it be part of the promo for a new dark ride? Or I also saw someone mention on PB that is could be for a new logo, maybe relating to the hotel reno. Whatever is going on now at the point, I feel like there are good things in the works for the next few years. It looks like KI won't be the only park to get some more attention soon...

I like the idea of expanding behind X-Base. And I love the idea of adding restrooms back there. Currently you have to walk pretty far in order to get to the nearest one and having one there would be really convenient. Anyone who has been at the park recently and has gone on Eiffel Tower, how are footers progressing?

It's an awesome park and exceeded my expectations. You'll love it. I went for the 1st time last year, and ironically, I'll be going either Sunday or Monday, too. Luckily when I went the crowds were extremely light. I'm talking only station waits for Nitro, Kingda Ka (which was running all day--no issues), El Toro... The staff said the day before was mobbed with 2 hour waits for these same rides. It stormed early morning of the day we went and there was a threat later in the day, so I'm not sure if this held some people off. It actually stormed in the evening and for the rest of the night, but we got on more than we expected to get in so it worked out. It's a very clean park and all the staff is very friendly. It was my 1st major park I've been to other than Cedar Point so it was fun for me to explore someplace new. The entrance to the park is beautiful with all the trees and landscaping. But I will say that the park is literally in the middle of nowhere. You are driving through a forest, don't see any signs for it, and all of a sudden you have to turn down another long forest road. You keep driving and then you go past the waterpark. Keep driving a little more and all of a sudden, there it is. You don't see the park and skyline until your practically in the parking lot. Nitro is a fun coaster. It's intense and is pretty fast. I like Diamondback better but it's still a great ride. I'm not sure if it has an official name, but my favorite part of the ride is the hill following the 1st drop. At the crest of the hill you make a quick turn to the left and then descend the hill. It's a unique feeling and I love it. The helix is also very intense. Kingda Ka is fun but I rank it far below Dragster. I like how there is no countdown so all of a sudden you launch (but if you're a coaster enthusiast than you can prepare for the launch when the train rolls backwards slightly). Some people think it's rough, but I don't think it is. Probably the worst part of it are the OTSRs. They're just like Maverick's, and even though there's not really any head banging, these totally ruin the ride for me. The best part of Dragster, IMO, is the exposed feeling with having only a lap bar. Still go on it though, it's a fun ride, however the walk to get to it is sort of out of the way and long. Bizarro was way better than I thought it would be. It was also my 1st floorless coaster and I loved it. It's just a fun coaster overall. Be sure to go on it. If you've been on a B&M flyer before, especially another Superman clone, I'd probably skip Superman unless you don't have anything else to do. It's a fun ride, but if you've already been on something like it or better than it, then why wait in the slow line for it? Runaway Mine Train is fun. It's a little jerky but is a classic ride since it was the park's 1st steel coaster. I also went on Skull Mountain which is a fun indoor coaster. If you want to get inside for little bit, go for it. Even though they're not thrill rides, I'd also recommend Big Wheel, Houdini's Great Escape (very cool, will get to that soon), and Saw Mill Log Flume. On Big Wheel you get a cool perspective of the park and the surrounding vista. Houdini's Great Escape is in innovative dark ride that I found a lot of fun and very interesting. I'd definitely be sure to go on it since it's so unique. I liked Saw Mill since I'm a big fan of traditional log flumes and this one is very nice. Now for my favorite...El Toro. Ride it. No matter how long the line is, even if it's several hours, be sure to go on it. Believe me, it's worth it. I'm a Millennium Force fanboy, and this ride claimed my #1 coaster spot, bumping MF down to #2. It has the craziest airtime I've ever experienced, and toward the end there's a crazy high g twister section that makes it hard to keep your hand up. I just can't explain how awesome this coaster is. You just have to experience it for yourself. Another thing I like about the park is that there is a lot of shade, especially toward the back of the park by the lake. If I think of anything else I'll let you know, but enjoy your trip. I'm excited to return, since I really enjoy this park. Plus a family friend works there so she sends my family free tickets

At least I haven't seen anyone on here with a username like TheKIGuru. If you're familiar with PB, you'll know what I'm talking about. If not, let me just give you one word: TROLL.

So does that mean that nobody on here has come up with what the new ride will be? Or is it just another diversion?

^Because if this was on PB, everyone would be saying, "But GK just opened!" and "I don't see any proof of a dark ride!" I remember a while ago there was a good discussion in a thread about possible dark rides, but it sort of died off. Maybe dark ride speculation will spike again on PB if some actual concrete evidence comes in, not just stuff on Screamscape.

^And it will have a $5 upcharge.