CoastersRZ

I have made two recent trips to Dollywood. I had never made a visit to Dollywood until last December when I went on a trip with Cory Butcher down there for their Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. I made another return trip down there for their opening weekend back at the end of March. The park is an awesome park. Granted the single day admission price is a little steep. But $55 is not that terrible, and well worth the cost in my opinion. The live shows that Dollywood has are worth the cost of admission alone. I haven`t seen the new stage production that debuted this year (Sha-Kon-O-Hey) which features songs written by Dolly herself. The main live shows at Dollywood typically last forty five minutes and are incredible. There are some high quality rides there too. Tennessee Tornado is an excellent steel coaster from Arrow. And there is also the unique Mystery Mine. But one of the highlights from my trips to Dollywood was Thunderhead, a GCI wooden coaster. Also don`t pass up the unique and "Disneyesque" Blazing Fury ride. Here is my PTR from opening weekend of Dollywood. I did not take my camera with me to Dollywood (I did for Carowinds, which was day two of our short park trip) as it rained most of the day at Dollywood. Here is my PTR from Dollywood at the end of December. This PTR shows some of the rides as well as some of the Christmas shows that Dollywood puts on. If you have the money and the availability to do so, I`d recommend buying a season pass for a few dollars more. That way you could visit on your trip, and go back in December to experience Smokey Mountain Christmas (and yes the roller coasters do operate if the temperature stays above a minimum temperature (I believe it was 35 or 40)). So in summation, yes, I believe that $55 is worth a visit to Dollywood. I hope my PTRs help you see what a wonderful park that Dollywood is.

Yes, I can attest to the fact that it was a rather busy day for rides (especially for a Friday). The day was at times very stressful, but the time passed by really quickly.

Jesse, I am glad that you and your family had a fun time at Coney on the 3rd of July. It was nice seeing you, even if I didn`t have a chance to meet up with you. You`ll have to come back sometime when its not as busy when I can actually meet up and ride some rides with you! July 3rd is always a fun, but very busy day at Coney. I have to admit, that I was not needed immediately for late shift on the 3rd (and actually rode several rides with fellow coworkers who were also off for late shift). But I did stick around and helped cut lines at closing time, and then helped clean the park after the crowds had left. My car was stuck in the throngs of people attempting to leave Gate 1. I didn`t clock out until 11:19! And some of us rides employees were treated to a night ride on Round Up at 11:50 at night, a very nice way to end a long day at Coney. And I still had to wait for some cars when I left at midnight. As always, your photo trip reports are remarkable! Sorry for not having seen this thread sooner. I have been working a TON of hours at Coney so far. In fact, my last day off was Tuesday, June 30th, and I`m on tap to record 60 hours this week, after weeks of 59 and 53 hours!

Yep. It is known now as Moonlite Pavilion, and is located immediately adjacent to Round Up and Trabant as well as the Administration Building.

I`m glad you had fun Jesse! I would have met up with you (I was off for part of the evening), but needless to say the park was pretty crazy! I ended up not leaving the park until close to midnight (helped clean up the park after the crowds filtered out). And now, I`m set to leave for another 11 hour day at the park, weather permitting.

I can assure you that there is nothing wrong with Tempest. The ride reopened in time for July 3rd and balloon glow. Props go to Coney`s maintenance team for getting the ride ready. They worked long hours this past week to get it ready for July 3rd, which is one of the busiest days of the season at Coney. When I rode it in the late afternoon, the ride was almost completely loaded. The ride does need to be balanced (loading people in certain cars in equal numbers) to prevent the chains from breaking. And on the subject of spinning. That too depends on where people sit in a car and how the weight is distributed. The ride I had on the Tempest was pretty intense and featured a lot of spinning.

Topic bump. For those interested, this event will take place THIS Friday, July 3rd. The weather looks to be splendid this year for it (last year it was raining on and off on the 3rd).

Um. There is no "block brake" on the lift hill. If the train ahead of the one on the lift has not cleared the mid course brake run, then the lift will stop. No brake needed as the train is not being propelled by its own kinetic and potential energy yet. It is still relying on the chain lift to move. Chain stops, train stops. No need for a brake. The slight hesitation you feel might simply be the chain slowing down a little bit as the train crests the hill. Not unlike what happens on the lift hills of The Beast.

Notice in the picture of the fountain from the Eiffel Tower the white rocks and bushes that were planted along side the fountain. That landscaping was later replaced with the more mundane and easier to maintain grass. Thanks for sharing those pictures! 1994 is right around the time that I was really beginning to get into roller coasters. I believe it was that year that I first rode Top Gun, and made my first trip to Cedar Point. I wouldn`t ride The Beast until October of 1995.

I`m glad you had a fun visit down to Carowinds! I agree that Afterburn is a great B&M inverted coaster. I was saddened when it and Vortex were closed when I went down to Carowinds on Sunday of opening weekend this year. But, I`ve ridden the ride back when it was Top Gun: The Jet Coaster in 2001 and 2003. Hands down a fun ride from start to finish. Yes, the new trains and restraints on Carolina Cobra make for a very comfortable ride experience. I still think its sad that the unique Flying Super Saturator was removed for this ride, but I think that this ride likely has a higher capacity than what the FSS had. Ah yes, Danny Phantom Flyers. This ride was the highlight of my trip back in March since Afterburn was down. Its still sad that this ride left Kings Island. Too bad KI can`t get a new set somewhere in Coney Mall. They would be an instant hit again.

The Tempest was never at KI. Americana/LeSourdsville Lake, yes.

There is another Americana ride operating at Coney Island. The Rock O Planes came from Americana! And, the Tilt-A-Whirl came from neighboring Fantasy Farm. Tempest is undergoing some major repair work (obviously, since the ride is almost completely disassembled right now). It will be operating again soon. There is a chance it may even be open by the Fourth of July.

As much as I hate to admit it, I have not ridden a water slide or had my swim suit on at Kings Island and Boomerang Bay since the season pass preview back in 2004! Which is a little sad, considering that my thesis was focused on water parks (albeit the indoor variety in particular). I however, did make several trips around Boomerang Bay last year and this year. I must say that the landscaping over in Boomerang Bay is impeccable! Too bad the same level doesn`t appear to show through as much in the main park. When I went down to Disney World last year, I visited both of their water parks. Talk about fantastic water parks! Worried about walking on hot pavement/concrete? Never fear, Disney has fountains that spray on the walk ways, so the paths are wet and cool for those bare feet. And the theming is simply amazing. Of the two Disney water parks, I preferred Blizzard Beach. The layout at Typhoon Lagoon just seemed a little awkward. My sister and I were there in September, so it wasn`t peak season, so the water parks were fairly empty when we went. Well worth the visit, in my opinion.

Well, it is far from a given that casinos (or even slot machines) will be added to Riverdowns, and its future remains uncertain. Buying additional land is expensive, not to mention the fact that there are some residences across the street from the park. Also, the topography there is rather challenging. Coney does own two parcels on the north side of Kellogg on either side of Sutton, right where the main parking entrance is to the park. Those lots are used for overflow parking (they will be used for July 3rd) as well as for some Riverbend concerts that are sold out.

Well, I think they will be opening the 100th anniversary time capsule that is in front of Moonlite Gardens on the 125th birthday.

Jesse, Here is a link to the online version of my DAAPWorks stuff: http://www.daap.uc.edu/daapworks/2009/detail?work_id=2257. You can click on any of the images to get an expanded view. If you want to check out my entire thesis document, you can find that here: http://www.daapspace.daap.uc.edu/~zerhusrf..._renderings.pdf On my one day off from Coney this week (today) I am working on updating my portfolio and trying to track down some places to apply to for full time employment.

Yeah. Coney`s July 3rd celebration always has a lot of family friendly activities. And, Sunlite Pool stays open until 9:30 pm, and the rides stay open until 10pm. If you arrive early in the day, the rides and parking are not very busy. But if you arrive in the early evening (around 5 to 7), expect larger crowds. But even then, the lines are not that long (tops at around thirty minutes). I most likely will be working all day on both the third and the fourth. Say hi if you do come down to Coney.

For those looking for something to do on Friday, July 3rd, Coney is having the 10th annual LaRosa`s Balloon Glow. The balloons "glow" from 8 to 10pm. There are lots of other family friendly activities planned throughout the day. The evening is capped off with a Rozzi`s Famous Fireworks show over Lake Como. Speaking from experience here, but the show is really awesome, particularly the close proximity to the launching zone! For a full list of events at Coney Island on July 3rd, check out ConeyIslandCentral.com

Yep. Today was a rather slow day on the rides side at Coney, but the pool had a very busy day. I also enjoyed the air conditioning in the ticket booth for early shift, even though I do not particularly like working the ticket booth.

Well, Coney offers birthday packages. Granted, I don`t think Coney`s are that expensive per person, but there are a lot of people that utilize that opportunity. So I could see this being a very popular product offering.

June 21st is Coney`s birthday. It is 123 years old this year! Back in 1886, James Parker sold his apple orchard in March to the Ohio Grove Corporation for $17,500. They made improvements to the property and opened "Ohio Grove: The Coney Island of the West" on a rainy June 21st, 1886. The following year, the Ohio Grove name was dropped and the park was simply "Coney Island." Happy Birthday Coney Island!

Are you talking about the actual Fourth of July and not the third? From previous experience, the fourth of July isn`t all that busy. But since it is on a Saturday this year, it may be busier than normal. If you arrive early on the 3rd of July (before 4 or 5), you will have no problem enjoying all the rides and Sunlite pool at a leisurely pace. The rides side really picks up around 6 or 7 on the third, particularly once the balloons start glowing. Traffic into the Coney lots can get very busy after 6pm, so I recommend getting there in the early afternoon, and try to park in gate 2 (the main Coney Island auto gate). Remember though, that there is discounted pool and rides admission after 4pm, but that the parking fee increases after that time. They launch the fireworks from near gate 1 (right next to the employee lot), and it usually takes five to ten minutes after the fireworks are over for them to open that parking lot. It can take a long time to leave on the 3rd. But the fireworks are awesome, and you are so close to them if you are along the shores of Lake Como where the rides are that you can really feel the concussions from the shells. I hope that information helps.

Dozens of hot air balloons glow over Coney in the evening of Friday July 3rd. The night is capped by the largest fireworks display in the event history from Rozzi`s Famous Fireworks over Lake Como. Sunlite Pool will remain open until 9:30pm with the rides staying open until 10pm. Additionally all guests who purchase a pool ticket will be able to remain in the Sunlite Pool area to view the fireworks. Admission to the event is FREE. However, normal rates apply to Sunlite Pool and Coney`s Classic Rides. Please note that Kellogg Avenue is closed from 9:45 until after the fireworks. Also, parking is $10 after 4pm. Below is the schedule of events: 1:00-3:00 94.9 The Rewind will be at Sunlite Pool searching for some “Coney Kids”. Kids will have the chance to be featured in a video on The Rewind’s and Coney’s website! 1:00 The Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club will fly radio control airplanes over Coney’s ballfields, and will sail radio control boats on Lake Como! 3:30-7:30 Q102 will be LIVE at Coney – stop by for music, games and prizes! 5:30 An exciting aerial acbrocatic show will perform throughout the evening! 6:00-9:00 Balloon sculptors, stiltwalkers and jugglers in Moonlite Square! 6:30-9:30 Live music at Moonlite Gazebo from the University of Cincinnati’s Bearcat Band Jazz Ensemble 6:30-9:30 Live music in Moonlite Mall from the Anderson Township Symphony Orchestra 8:00-10:00 Hot air balloons “glow” in Moonlite Mall! 9:30 Sunlite Pool closes for swimming. New in 2009 – people who have purchased a Pool ticket may stay and watch the fireworks from inside Sunlite Pool! 10:00 Classic Rides close. 10:00 Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks over Lake Como – the largest display in event history!! -Robbie

The fireworks on June 27th have been rescheduled to July 11th, so as not to interfere with the 311 concert at Riverbend. Remember that Coney`s classic rides are now open until 10pm every Saturday in June, July, and August.

Yep. Given that the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday, expect it to be more crowded than a typical Fourth of July. Much also depends on the weather. Last year, crowds were light because there was on and off rain all day on the fourth.