BoddaH1994

^ I totally agree. Like I said from the start, take it for what it's worth. Especially in an area where it is, where we know that there is a creek that runs under there, they probably watch that land like crazy. Surveying could mean ANYTHING, but I just thought it was noteworthy enough to be brought to your attention.

The themeing around most of the old slides was the same, although they were given all new Aussie names. The midways were entirely rethemed.

If anyone ever said that PKI doesn't know what they're doing, then guess again buddy! CDBB is exactly what they told us it would be: a brilliantly themed water park-resort with all new attractions, bright colors, more shade, less concrete, 5 star amenities, and so on. I got there right at 11, when they were letting the media/gold pass holders in, from there, I immediately went to Taz. I waited in line for a good half hour for it. It was kind of interesting... When you hit the embankments, it really whips you around creating an all around fun "dark ride" experience. The funnel, as predicted, is the best part. You have about a 45 degree drop before you enter the funnel which really allows you to pick up some speed. You shoot out and fly up the opposite side. When you hit the apex of your height, you stop for an instant before you turn around and start flying down the other side. When you stop, it feels like you are sitting there forever. All in all, a totally fun experience! The racing slides were neat too. You whip that first turn, and have tons of speed even before you hit that mini hill after the enclosed area ends. The only downside to it is that the mat your ride on sticks to the top of the slide, so it is very difficult to initially begin going down the slide. I have come to find out that the matts and slides were designed this way so a patron could prevent themselves from sliding down the slide prematurely. Apparently over time the matts will ware down and it will be more reasonable. Kukaburra Bay was cool. There wasn't much to it besides a waterfall and shallow water, but I'm sure that once the water resort is less busy, it will be a really nice place for adults to hang out. Jackaroo Landing was extremely neat as well. It is a wet, fun experience for any kid or adult alike. In this complex structure, I can see a kid occupying himself for hours! A must visit! I didn't get to participate in the 5 star amenities, but I did have the opportunity to check out the menu (which we will be posting). The food is actually decently priced for a meal, and they do actually have a decent assortment of beers at a reasonable price (oh, and in case you were wondering, yes they do sell Fosters!) While spending time in the park, Dane and I took several hundred photos, which will be being uploaded throughout the night. Make sure you check back every few minutes! Dane and I would like to send a special thank you to Jill, The Crocodile Dundee's Boomerang Bay area manager for making this such an awesome experience for us. We would also like to send a special thank you out to Doug Kramer, who allowed us to take some special pictures from the top of the racing slides, which is normally closed to the public. Also thank you to Kim, and GR crew in general today. They were all always on the move today. If it weren't for such people like yourselves, PKIC wouldn't be able to bring the type of page that it is to the fans of PKI, and more importantly, PKI would not be the phenomenal park that it is today. Thank you! Regards, Ryan

Ok, I'd hate to prepetuate the rumor of Top Gun's removal, but take a look at the pics below. There are a couple of guys surveying the land directly under Top Gun. I realize that this is more than likely making a mountain out of a molehole, but I thought it be worth bringing to your attention. Keep in mind that a creek runs under TG, which could need to be rerouted for erosion, and how it could be something as simple as the workers surverying the road itself. Regardless, you heard it first here on PKIC.

Let us know what you'll be wearing and we'll come show support!

^ I believe it actually came to them dispelling that on their web page.

Speak for yourself, I bite! Yeah, we'll be there. Make sure you come and say hi. If you know you'll be up there, PM either me or Dane and we'll give you our cell phone numbers so we can meet up if desired. Ryan

That's the problem, where's the credibility behind any of it? Is it Ed Morgan posting, or a 13 year old kid in his parents basement? I'm not saying that it's wrong, but take everything you read on the internet for what it's worth.

Since being on the forums, what kind of funny rumors have you heard about PKI? I think a common one is that The Vortex is sinking and the lift hill stands 5ft shorter than it did when they constructed it. Safe, isn't it?

I smoke too, and I have to admit that having designated smoking areas is a good idea. Simply put, I really don't want my bad habit to be an inconvenience to anyone else. I also agree with everyone about how there should be ashtrays in the park as well. I usually knock the cherry off, step on it, and then throw the butt away in a trash can. The cherry (which is entirely ash by the time it's stepped on) simply blows away, and since the butt is thrown away, it doesn't cause an unsightly mess and isn't a hassle for the great eco people. Should smoking be banned from HBL and CDBB? Definitely. There's no reason for people to smoke in front of kids. I mean, you can't avoid it at the park, but you should respect their territory. As far as CDBB goes, red-hot cigaretts, bare feet... doesn't mix well. Of course, this year there will be a designated smoking area in BB. That will work out well since it doesn't cause the same hazard that general smoking would allow, non-smokers can avoid it, and you don't have to go an amazingly far distance to light up. It wouldn't be a difficult thing for the park to do. I mean, they don't necessarily have to build shelters for smokers. They can just set two signs on a midway 30 or so ft apart with the "no smoking beyond this point" message on it. Of course you wouldn't be able to avoid walking through it most of the time, but at least it won't be everywhere. If they had one smoking area in every section of the park (maybe even tucked in a corner in HBL) then I really don't see it being a problem. No smoking in line? Totally agree with that. I was next to a guy in the FoF hanger and he was smoking one of those big nasty cigars. Totally bothering everyone, but no one said anything. If you see someone smoking in line, let them know that it's not allowed. I mean, there are only two possible cases, the first is that they simply didn't know the rule, and you are informing them, or they are blatantly disregarding the rules and if they are pointed out, they may refrain from the action. Ryan

That kind of stuff has become obselete for me and my friends since we all got cell phones, but that would be an EXCELLENT safety measure for parents with kids who are just old enough to wander off on their own. It would be funny to buy one and slip it into a random person's bag and just check up on where he or she is at random times during the day.

lol... It's like Boomhauer (sp?) from King of the Hill. Please read over your posts so we can all hear what you've had to say! Oh yeah, funny story. A couple of weeks ago, a bunch of us PKICers were in line for the Eagles and a little kid behind us kept rambling off random Price is Right lines... something like "What could he win, Roy? A new car!! Is the number 6? Nooo! Sorry, see you at the showcase showdown!" Ryan

I used to be devoted to LaRosa's, but after 3 years of loyal employment there, it simply doesn't fill me up anymore. Recently, I've been doing the burger/fries at the Festhaus. I'll have to check this place out, though!

If it's a map, will it just have areas? They'd have to redo the whole thing if they added or removed any kind of attraction!

Personally, I think people should be able to dress however they want. Does this mean a 400lb man should be able to wear a thong? Unforntuately yes, but it is a free country. As far as PKI goes, it's private property and so long as they keep it reasonable, I don't think that they should have to put up with whatever they consider indecent. Heck, let's all just wear school uniforms.

I've ridden it with the lights on myself and found it to be an interesting experience. I rode it once when all of the lights were off and that was really cool. I wish they would just do that instead.

Hahaha, so true that they aren't smooth. Ya know, I can handle head banging. I used to LOVE Steel Phantom (RIP) at Kennywood....and darn did thing slam ya around. However, Arrow rides with me are just like Son of Beast.......I don't like to have to defensively ride a coaster to enjoy it. I want to enjoy it in any seat, any condition, any day. Imagine the intensity that Vortex has WITHOUT the complimentary head bashing? :-) With that said, too bad the "new" Arrow came about a bit too late in the game to really get their feet wet with rides like Tennessee Tornado. - Todd - who really does appreciate Arrow's contribution to the industry That may be a height issue. I am quite a bit taller than you are, and I don't have the head banging problem. When I was younger, I used to have to hold on to the OTSRs themselves in order to prevent getting boxed around. The only part that affects me is when they have that sudden shift in the track before the two loops. (Hence the story behind 'Arrow Just Kicked My Ass' line in my signature.) Now, if we are comparing Arrows with Intamins, that comparison isn't entirely fair. A lot of people will want to compare The Vortex with something like TTD, which would be a 1 year old ride vs. a ride that's over a decade old. The technology has changed and time has weathered older rides. It would be like saying that you like a 2004 Ford Focus better than a '57 Chevy because of the power steering. Now, if you look at the other two Arrow coasters in the park, they aren't really rough at all. Just a thought, Ryan

I'm not sure if it was a space issue, or if it were accidentally neglected, but nonetheless, it won't be hard to find in BB (which opens this weekend!). Ryan

Or you can get them at Blockbuster for 32.99 for an individual day. If you go to the park, and decide you like it, you can get credited for that day's admission toward a season pass.

Let's do this: how about everyone on here keep their eyes peeled for one employee that is exceptionally nice, or has gone above and beyond and make sure to recognize them at GR. I mean, even if you're not an employee or never were, you should be able to tell who's doing their jobs and who's... just working... You know what I mean. I think it would be a good way to give back to the park. Plus, if people are recognized, they are far more likely to continue to go above and beyond and influence others to do so as well.

I can't wait myself. The Addams Family is a brilliant movie. They could theme a whole park, or at least a good section of a park off it the movie itself. Hopefully they'll have cutting-edge, well-maintained themeing and an interesting ride experience!

I'll have to go for Arrow myself. Although Intamin and B&M do make great rides, you can not forget where it all started. As far as smoothness goes, I think that Arrow's aren't exactly smooth at all as compared to the other two, then again, I think that if The Vortex were too smooth, it wouldn't be nearly as good of an experience.

If you're going to put dingo meat in it as planned, it's never making it on the site.

That's a very difficult question. You're going to get a lot of claims, but probably no proof. You're best bet would be to ask The Vortex's sup and see if they know. Anyone work on that crew?

*nudges Ryan's shoulder* I'm a dude! ....not the first time I mad that mistake in this part of town.