RailRider

And here I thought this was a forum regarding Michael Hewell's disappearance from his own TourGuideMike website.

Alpengeist, at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, was the first B&M to get sand in the rails, as it is very near a ritzy subdivision. Talon, at Dorney, has it, too; for the same residential reason. Perhaps not coincidentally, there is at least one ritzy residence not far from Cedar Point's front gate. Hmmm never thought of that possibility. And to think he is still making nickels off of this Gatekeeper.

Rocky Mountain is making quite the name for themselves with the projects they have taken on. Wood, Steel, or PVC. The Double Barrel looks Amazing!

Yet besides Potter, IOA remains unchanged. Just saying. Disney has taken Potterverse very seriously. Seeing the massive expansion to Fantasyland, Pandora at Animal Kingdom, will be very interesting to see what happens in Orlando over the next few years.

I think the last thing KI wants is another inverting wooden coaster. Some things just aren't meant to be. I have ridden SOB many times and was always a fan, more so with the loop, but after all the issues the writing has been on the wall for a long time. Surprised it took this long honestly.

Pandoras Box

Attached is a link regarding a amusement ride that was imagined in the 19th century, yet never built. Really interesting read. http://io9.com/5858945/dropping-1000-feet-inside-a-giant-bullet--the-most-bad+ass-amusement-park-ride-that-never-was

^ Yes that is exactly the kind of issues I was speaking of.

This is the first year in a long time the family and I made 0 trips to KI. Some varying factors behind this. We had many different vacations planned this year, Disney World, Cruise to the Bahamas, Numerous trips to Dollywood (seasson pass holders) and lots of staycations (a new pool will do that). Honestly for the price KI offered very little to draw us as a family, I know worlds best childrens area and such, but we have much more fun as a family at Dollywood and that is a really fun quick weekend trip. This seasson I have struggled with my love for KI, yes it is one of my favorite parks, but after so many visits over the years I am slightly burned out I think. With the state of some rides not opperating or even running as a shadow of their former self, blah food at high prices, and just ok shows there is not much that draws my family in. No longer do I go to parks just to ride rides or up my coaster count, but we go for the experience, atmosphere and the overall attraction. Also has anyone else noticed the park guest quality index has changed? I think that is why we have continued to visit Disney, Dollywood, and Busch parks. After living 20 minutes away for 7 years and trips almosts every weekend, as a family we needed a break. I still love KI and I am sure we will revisit next year or the year after, but for now there are other memories to make.

Hmmm Ohio legislators have regulations that will not allow sweaty midgets to shock each other with tasers in a wrestling ring, but on the other hand we can all go by our very own bengal tiger. Wouldn't make a difference to me if they were using tasers, cattle prods, ladders, thumbtacks, paperclips, or tape dispensers, I will not be watching.

And I thought this horse had been sent to the glue factory long ago.

I am amazed at how many trees they have left. Will really add to this ride.

As others have mentioned the Wilderness at the Smokies resort is probably the closest indoor waterpark resort. Looks like a rather large place on the outside and I have heard some good things. Check Trip Advisor for reviews. This resort is on the line between Pigeon Forge and Severville, so it could be a longer drive than normal depending on trafic. Also if you are looking for a great resort at the doorstep of Dollywood check out the Riverstone Resort. This place is great with awesome rooms and condos available. Also it is on Dollywood lane, you can walk to the Stampedee, the Old Mill and it is so close to the park entrance. Highly recomend this facility.

This is a great event to close out haunt and surely will bring in the best of crowds. Sarcasim aside. Why not hire Mick Foley and Terry Funk next year and have them go toe to toe in a classic Deathmatch. Whats is a Deathmatch you may ask? Well IWA Japan introduced it back in the 90's, some major stars were born from it as well as the hardcore wrestling movement. I mean if haunt is going extreme why not go all out, because I am sure this is the kind of match and entertainment they would really like to promote. Maybe the HPB's can do this instead and then haunt will be rid of this trash, oh wait this is what passes for entertainment at haunt now. I keep forgeting the direction they are going with haunt. Check the link out, it is graphic you are warned. http://youtu.be/sPRgXaYFPXw Im done ranting now, but there is a reasson I have stopped going to haunt for the past few years. I am no longer the target market of Haunt and that is fine with me, but I can still make my opinion heard. Flame me if you want...

^ Sounds like this Thompson was a pesky neighbor himself with multiple instances of his animals getting loose. Also if you watch some of the news coverage Jack Hanna agreed with the shoot to kill order in dealing with this situation. As of right now 48 of 56 animals have been taken down and only 1 remains on the loose. A monkey who has been confirmed to be carrying Herpes B. Honestly sounds like even if all of these animals were rescued they sound as if they were in pretty bad shape. Watch some of the videos and Jack Hanna is pretty fired up with this situation and that people are even allowed to gather collections like this.

Unfortunate situation, but from the multiple reports it there have been numerous issues with this individual and facility. Schools are closed in the area today because of the situation and the fact that various big cats are loose as well as bears and wolfs. Not a safe situation and the law enforcement must do what is necessary, even if it means shooting the animals.

Torture Tower was great, as I have said before, but a logistical nighmare. House of Darkness was always a favorite, especially for stretches of darkness. I really enjoyed the transformation of Rivertown in to Sleepy Hollow and the various attractions there, especially in 2005. Anyone remember the first year the deuce 1/2 and other military hardware sitting around by the tower? I always thought that gave the tower a very secret military base feel. Great history timeline thanks for sharing.

SANDUSKY, Ohio, Oct. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, today announced that it has appointed Bob Wagner to the role of corporate vice president, strategic alliances and Scott Tanner to the role of corporate vice president, sales. "I am particularly pleased to add Bob and Scott to the Cedar Fair leadership team," said Matt Ouimet, Cedar Fair's president. "The expansion of strategic alliances that will benefit both our guests and our unitholders is an important part of what will continue to make Cedar Fair parks the industry leaders that they are today. Bob has a strong professional history of creating mutually beneficial partnerships, the kind that last for years and become part of the fabric of the guest experience. Equally important to us is the relationship our sales teams have with our corporate customers and other sales distribution channels. I've personally witnessed the leadership qualities Scott possesses and the impact he drives in terms of creating highly effective sales teams. His experience in regional, domestic and international tourism will benefit all of our parks." Bob Wagner, corporate vice president, strategic alliances, will be responsible for strengthening and expanding the Company's strategic partnerships, identifying industry-leading companies that share similar customers, values and goals. He brings 26 years of extensive experience in all phases of the entertainment industry, including marketing, sponsorship sales, ticket sales, merchandise, communications, social media and website development. Wagner most recently served as senior vice president and chief marketing officer for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League and Honda Center in Anaheim, California. His successful background also includes four years as the vice president of sales and business development for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and nine years as director of sales and marketing for the California Angels. Scott Tanner, corporate vice president, sales, will drive the development and execution of our sales strategies and talent management to expand the services we provide to corporate and group customers. He has more than 30 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry and his extensive background includes working with Fortune 500 firms on breakthrough partnerships and marketing events. Prior to joining Cedar Fair, Tanner served as director of sport development for USA Water Polo in Huntington Beach, California. He also spent 27 years with the Walt Disney Company, including the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, where he was directly involved in all aspects of the company's sales and marketing initiatives. "Bob and Scott bring broad, diverse and relevant backgrounds in all aspects of sales and marketing, which will enable us to leverage the capabilities of the strong team we already have in place," added Ouimet. "Each of them has a strong record in identifying and delivering growth opportunities and I'm proud to have them as the latest additions to our talented executive team." About Cedar Fair Cedar Fair is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio, and one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. The Company owns and operates 11 amusement parks, six outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and five hotels. Amusement parks in the Company's northern region include two in Ohio: Cedar Point, consistently voted "Best Amusement Park in the World" in Amusement Today polls, and Kings Island; as well as Canada's Wonderland, near Toronto; Dorney Park, PA; Valleyfair, MN; and Michigan's Adventure, MI. In the southern region are Kings Dominion, VA; Carowinds, NC; and Worlds of Fun, MO. Western parks in California include: Knott's Berry Farm; California's Great America; and Gilroy Gardens, which is managed under contract. This news release and prior releases are available online at www.cedarfair.com. Contact: Stacy Frole (419) 627-2227 SOURCE Cedar Fair Entertainment Company www.prnewswire.com Copyright © 2011 PR Newswire. All rights reserved Notice the California connection and another individual with a Disneyland Connection. I really like how Mr. Ouimet is shapping management within Cedar Fair.

Nice report as always, but I am more amazed at how grown up Miss Rae is getting. Where has the time gone?

Nothing like a snotcicle ride on Millenium Force, but the most painfull experience ever was marathoning Drachen Fire in pouring rain for 7 straight rides. I still don't think I have ever recovered from that experience.

^ Yes todays larger crowds would make Torture Tower even more of a nightmare, yet it was a very unique haunt. Glad I experienced it at opening so as to never wait in the massive line.

Memories Live On: After reviewing this report and reflecting on our time spent, I have come to the conclusion that this was one of our most unique vacations ever. Starting off vacation by running our first ever 1/2 Marathon, finishing, surving, and being excited to run our next race. Eventhough the winner of the Marathon was done before we ever finished. We are thinking of running one of the Disney Halfs, but not sure if we are heading West or South for it. The trip and time at the World was amazing. From the earth shatering news our first night at Disney, to the many wonderful experiences throughout the parks, special relaxing evenings, and just amazing family time. We experienced much during our time at the World, created many wonderful memories and some very special magical moments. Excited and anticipating our next trip, when and where we are not sure yet. Do we return to Southern California and go back to Disneyland or do we come back to the World. Tough decision and no the Magic Kingdom does not compare to Disneyland. Sorry the original is this best and our first visit I still believe was one of the most magical times at a park or even on vacation. Some day we will head West again, but back to the World. Maybe next time we take a Disney Cruise with some time at the parks, decisions decisions. But we will be back, we will stay on property, the Polynesian is in our sights and we will take advantage of the Dinning plan again. Once again Disney helped us as a family create some very Magical moments, whether it was the Bipiti Bopiti Botique, the many character interactions, great classic rides, deliciously relaxing dinners, or just the time spent together as a family. Disney does not have to be stressfull crowded time spent in lines, those were not Walts intentions and if done right it is very Magical. Disney World is a place to celebrate and to create magic and we did that together as a family. I hope that the time spent reliving this adventure has allowed you to experience some of our memories and magic and hopefully it gives you the desire to create your own magic and to celbrate life. ~RailRider

Yes and like I said it was horrible for logistics, but the ride up the elevator with all the bloody handprints and then the haunt basically starting as soon as the doors opened. Definately a great experience.

Can I vote for a retired haunt? Torture Tower is still one of my favorites. The logistics were a nightmare, but the location was so impressive.

My 4 year old who many have seen in my Trip Reports is more excited to see Snoopy than she ever was Sponge Bob or any other Nick character. She has already watched the Great Pumpkin twice this seasson and each Peanuts special is a must for her during the Holiday seasson. Maybe my child is different than most, but she loves Snoopy and only knows of him from the specials and the ocassional visit to the parks.