Outdoor Man

In the spirit of the Election Season: THIS for The Vortex plot:

by that logic, Arrow got the original Bat trains right in 1980 too, as much of the train design for subsequent suspended coasters was similar. However, add in the track and the actual operation of the attraction = fail. I'm guessing in the design phase they had IBM punch cards and a modified Pong game for the motion simulation

Park and manufacturer take on some inherent risk when trying to develop "firsts" as well as "taller/faster." For "firsts": the actual unit never operates like it does in a simulation and reality can be counted on for an infinity of unforeseen challenges- some that result in only partial operation before demolition/removal: see the original Bat. Taller/faster... the stress of navigating a 450' tall coaster with a triple launch system on a train may be one that will cause ongoing problems for the life-cycle of the ride. Technology is better, but failure is also an unfortunate reality; and the taller and faster the coaster is- the greater that risk that it never operates as intended.

I never said "I was just kidding". I was immature in my youth; I admit it. I can't compete with you. Never lose track of where that pedestal you stand on is.

I'm sort of surprised to see the 2021 attendance numbers similar to the 2009-2016 numbers. We attended a fair amount in 2021- but until the State of Ohio dropped masking requirements in mid-June of that year the crowds seemed rather light to me.

OK- since we are apparently unfamiliar with the concept of sarcasm or light humor I'll just leave you back to your self-righteous stance. BTW- try to not take yourself so seriously. Carry on 'Dispatch.

It's complicated... That said, let's not equate M&Ms on an "already" filthy theater floor with leftover food, associated condiments, and the occasional shoe print left on a table top surface where people eat. Yes, I was an immature teenager and the thought of such shenanigans occurring does make make me laugh- but the two are not equal instances.

People's audacity to just leave their mess is stunning. Last week I walked a group of 5 teenage boys back to their table to clean it up near Hanks (or whatever it's called now); it looked similar the picture above. I think they may have thought I worked for the park- which, by the way I don't nor ever have- I was wearing khaki shorts and a navy blue golf shirt having just come from a daughter's HS soccer game. Wasn't intentional- just happened to notice after the fact. That said- we got Skyline there after the game and sat at an outdoor eating area of Coney- and got to tell you, I've NEVER seen those tables look so clean. Each of them had just been wiped down- they were still quite wet, but I'll take that over the alternative. Potential HUGE kudos to this site! Perhaps park management is taking note. One more thing, Dispatch... you called me out on something about the movie theaters.... back in the day I took a giant bag of M&Ms (not bought for $10 at the theater- but at a normal price outside) into a dark theater while the previews were running. When it was quiet between previews I intentionally "stumbled/fell" so that the bag would smack the floor and have 100+ M&Ms make their noise rolls down the cheap tile floor. I can still hear the satisfying noise of the M&Ms rolling down the incline.... I don't regret it. If it wouldn't land me in the ER... I'd probably do it again.

I've done business on one level or another with a handful of Disney people and outside of that know a fair number of them for the average schlep from Cincinnati. ALL Disney Cast Members, regardless of status or position is to "pick up" / dispose of trash they may come across while walking from Point A to Point B. If they are wearing a Disney name tag and blind-eye it and it is noticed.... it will be brought to their attention. I had lunch with one of the resort GMs a few years ago and while walking to our table at a quick service location he broke away momentarily to "bus" a table that had been left in horrible conditions. He was the GM, he could have instructed/delegated the task to one of the other employees (nay... Cast Members) nearby- but he did it himself. It's the "little" things.

Going to beat this drum many times until something is noticed- and I know several from the park (& a few from corporate) peruse through these forums occasionally. Yes, I know, I may be an "entitled" Annual Pass Holder- but I'm betting guests who pay retail for admission and food with their discretionary income are more critical observers. I know people are gross and can't be counted on to throw their things away and clean up after themselves, but at some point the park needs to do something- this isn't an isolated observation. In addition to cleaning at regular (or more regular) intervals- maybe install sanitary wipe dispensers near the outside sit-down eating locations so guests can clean it for themselves (since who knows how many times those towels get used and on goodness-knows-what). The picture at the Skyline location, though, is really unacceptable...

I'll jump on. I-Street: a) Symphony music that used to play pre-Paramount days. Extend it to parking lot. It always built a sense of anticipation when walking up. Now the parking lot music is the same as the music in the car you drove up in. REPLACE THE BUILDING BULBS WHEN THEY BURN OUT!!!! and straighten them when they get loose. Attention to detail.... I don't know if I see the Intl. Restaurant making a large comeback. It would't work as a quick service and people just aren't going to drop $$$ for a sit down restaurant there in >2024. Retheme Boo Blasters to a dark ride that improves on Phantom Theater. Camp Snoopy/Planet Snoopy: Great thing started with Camp Snoopy- seems very well conceived. Upgrade the Planet Snoopy areas and merge the two. Rivertown: multi-sensory indoor/outdoor dark ride in the TR building. I can't believe it's sat empty this long. Something that is an experience from the time you enter the line until the ride is over. Coney Mall: Do SOMETHING with Action Theater. Build a replica of Moonlite Gardens as a Coney Mall anchor in the old Vortex queue area and make it a quick service location like the Grand Pavilion at Cedar Point (with food, seating, and meeting/luncheon capabilities)- A VERY nice facility that I was able to explore a few weeks ago with a historical nod to it. This would accomplish many bullet points. Give some TLC and sensory upgrades to BLSC. New Coaster in The Vortex lot that interacts with a stretch of The Beast. A layout with elements akin to Velocicoaster. The Beast coaster isn't the "Beast" itself... since you are on the coaster to watchout for The Beast who "lurks in ambush." This coaster would be the element that ambushes riders on The Beast coaster. Area 72: Good start. Expand the restrooms. Also the ones there, 99.9% of the time, are disgusting. There really isn't a lot of ways to expand there, unless you go under Orion and through to the other side. An S&S Screamin' Swing would be terrifying and could fit into the theming easily. Problem being any view while riding it wouldn't be too scenic. Octoberfest: pull the plug and incorporate into Adventure Port. Adventure Port: Good start. Assume elements of Octoberfest. Keep Adventure Express and it's movable parts in good repair. It's arguably better themed now than it was on it's opening day. Action Zone: Banshee- a brief tunnel with fog would be a great addition. Congo Falls is one repair away from removal, as evidenced by the utter lack of ridership. Maybe remove that and make a nice plaza area for a refurbished Timberwolf area. I'm not sure why that isn't used more. A plaza could be facilitate it as a second gate. Soak City: keep expanding it. Getting a water coaster in 2025; get another body slide in 2026. Water Park expansion costs generally less than dry park expansion and there's really no nearby competition for it. AND... a line entrance for White Water Canyon for those who like to ride... but don't want their clothes to get "THAT" wet on the dry side. Side note: clean the outdoor eating areas more often. much more often. Guests are gross and leave the tables a mess... and they don't seem to be cleaned often. Same with the restrooms. People are gross and trash the toilets, don't flush them, pee on the floor, pee on the seats, etc... This isn't the parks fault... but I always feel like taking a bath in Chlorox after using the restooms.

I didn't see it mentioned by name, but I assume they are referring to Palace Entertainment- ie: Kennywood, Idlewild, Adventureland, Lake Compounce... to name a few?

Picture taken outside Hotel Breakers on the walk near the beach Was up there for an IAAPA event.

Just did a quick glance through the video posted by IndyGuy. Is it just me or are there fewer parade dancers this year as well? Maybe I'm not as observant as I think I am but the individual "groups" seem smaller.

That was a great episode!