Screwball

I know it's not as good as pictures from PKI. However, here are the most recent pictures of the IJ:ST construction currently taking place at PCW. http://www.canadas-wonderland.com/i/assets...tionimage10.jpg http://www.canadas-wonderland.com/i/assets...tionimage11.jpg http://www.canadas-wonderland.com/i/assets...tionimage12.jpg http://www.canadas-wonderland.com/i/assets...tionimage13.jpg These are from the middle of November.

First off, the ride is quite abit different then Taz. The picture's shown on the site, aren't the actual rides. The bowl is horizontal, instead of being on an angle. So you end up swirling around 360' around the bowl, instead of just half like Taz. The splash pool your tube ends up in is seperate from the lazy river. There is a cement wall directly at the end of the slide preventing you from going into the lazy river. Towards the end of the splash pool, there is a section of water that flows into the lazy river, however a rope keeps people from going through. The PCW website just described it poorly, as well as leading people along with the wrong pictures. Here's a picture from PCW Junkies. http://www.pcwjunkies.com/images/pcw/flatr...hw/100_0024.jpg

The web site does not list all of the rides. Its great you been to the web site but has anyone been to the park? I think PCW had a Scrambler at one time. I don't know myself I have not been to PCW before. I'm a season passholder at PCW, I am at the park over 20 times per season, and trust me there isn't a scrambler there. Whether there was at some point, not that I remember. I'm 20 now and have been going since my early childhood, and I don't ever recall seeing one at Wonderland. I know SFDL does have one however.

I am not sure about the other Paramount Parks, but Paramout Canada's Wonderland does not have a Scrambler.

Give the guy a break, unless you know the exact place to look you are not going to just see the track. Plus the track blends into the foliage around the field, making it harder to see.

Take it for what's it worth, but recently in the Carowinds newsletter featured a picture of Flying Scooters while they were hinting at the 2005 season. It could very well be a new attraction, but if PKI did decide to not bring them back...

Modern records.

Personally I really like the name, it's something different and for that I applaud Six Flags. The new section of the park looks incredible from the animated shots, I like the direction they are trying to take with this addition. For those who say it's uncreative, TTD set the standard for coasters that are going to break records. Until new technology comes along there is not much that coaster designers can do to mix it up. The bunny hill added into this coaster should add an extra thrill to an already great concept. I don't care whether it's a clone or not, TTD is an incredible expierence, and I am sure Kingda Ka will be the same.

More rumours so far have been a top hat, followed by a bunny hill or a over-banked turn. Some of the supports that are on site support this rumour. That there will be an element different from TTD. The only question mark is how exactly they can have a taller coaster, with another element with a shorter track length then TTD. We'll know next Wednesday.

Let's just take a look at SF Gadv since this is the park in question they currently have two coasters that don't operate 95% of the time. The Batman side of Batman and Robin: The Chiller has been SBNO all summer, as the LIMS are burnt out in the mid course boost. As well, Viper is rarely operating even on a good day. Currently there are 10 rides either down indefinately or for the season, that's acceptable. I visited Six Flags Darien Laker earlier in the summer, and the whole park expierence blows you away that a huge chain operates the way they do. Coasters running one train for the whole day, employee's who are not friendly and not even capable at what they do. A good example is the re-entry line, there was over a half hour wait to re-enter the park after getting lunch in my car. Why? The security post is after you re-enter the park, and there is only one guard doing it. It's just the small things, and I hardly think that spending 25+ million on one huge addition is the way to go. If they added something small for this upcoming season, and spent most of their time getting their current rides working, as well as improving guest relations, and park cleaniness. Then the park would be in fine form for a new addition, all they are doing now is putting a temporary band aid on the park, sure it will bring people into the park, but will they return after the Six Flags experience? Based on their current attendence with one of the best lineups of coasters around, people aren't.

This is my favourite picture of PKI. From: CoasterPhotos.com

The trains are one of the worst parts of the coaster, never mind the layout. I would love to see new trains on this coaster, and see the difference it would make. It was a great attempt by PKI, they took a big risk and in the short term it looks like they didn't win on it. The fact they did break the height and speed records for a wooden coaster may be the biggest reason to it's downfall. At those kind of speeds it can't be easy to try and have the coaster be smooth throughout the whole circuit. Personally, it has beat the hell out of me every time I have ridden it in the past two years which dampens my excitement for it. However, it's not by any stretch a horrible ride, it could in fact become a great ride if PKI continues to work on the re-tracking, and replaces the trains.

Looks like TTD's reign as the worlds tallest and fastest is going to come to an end soon. SFGadv has sent out Media invitations to the unveiling of their new coaster that takes place next Wednesday. On the two invitations, both have references that it's a world record breaker. "Fastest...Tallest...Worldwide." "This eats ALL records" On the first invitation it has a background image that appears to be identical to TTD, so now that they say they are breaking records, the only question is by what amount. Also whether they will use the Launch - Top Hat - Brake model for their coaster. You can find pictures of the invitations on Screamscape For the coaster rider in me. I am very excited as I was already planning on going to SFGAdv next summer, this is just icing on the cake. However, I still think Six Flags is stupid for adding a ride of this magnitude. They need to spend more time trying to improve on their current assets, as well as park operations. Ahh well, I can only hope they are able to have it up and running by next year, considering TTD's downtime that may not be an easy feat.

Abit more information would be useful. Do you mean you purchased a ticket at the park but didn't use it? Bought your ticket at Blockbuster? Already went once and want to take advantage of the boomerang back deal? Tickets bought should be good on any operating day of the 2004 season, so if that's what you have I don't think there would be a problem. The easiest thing to do is just call the park up and ask them directly.

Dracula's Haunted Castle: The Paramount Action FX Theater is transformed into an abandoned theater promising frightfully interactive entertainment featuring Dracula. Throughout history many have ventured into the castle but few have left alive. You may enter at your own risk!!! Have a seat and hold on tight but be sure you leave by midnight. Friday the 13th: Jason's Extreme Cuts: The bloody legend of Camp Crystal Lake comes to Fearfest in this horrific multi-sensory homage to the Paramount Pictures blockbuster slasher saga, Friday the 13th. Watch the indestructible psycho, Jason Voorhees slice, dice and slaughter his way through hapless victims. Guests will relish this gore fest as the diabolical killer wreaks havoc and splatters blood across the big screen and the guests in Paramount Theatre. Narrated by one of Jason's unlucky victims, this 13-minute bloodbath will make guests screech and shrill in their seats. PLEASE BYOBB! (Bring Your Own Barf Bag!) Warning: This attraction/movie contains scenes and effects that can be described as gory and violent. The movie is not recommended for young children or guests who are sensitive to horror movie images. Sleepy Hollow Horror: NEW - Welcome to the late 1700's and the eerie town of Sleepy Hollow. As you walk through the dilapidated colonial farmhouse, proceed with caution. There are rumors that the Headless Horseman has dismounted from his horse and slipped into the home.... Is the Headless Horseman lurking in the shadows, stalking your every move? One head, two head, three head, four. The secrets of the Horseman lie behind the front door…. Taken from the PKI FearFest page Pyscho Path, Curse of the Crypt, House of Darkness, Maze of Madness, and Circus of Horrors 3D will all return. ---- I wasn't expecting this many new attractions, so it's a pleasant surprise. Look's like Dracula will replace Elvira's Superstition at the Action FX theatre. Jason will move into the Paramount Theatre. Now one of the only questions is where Sleepy Hollow Horror will be located. Coney Maul is already packed with attractions, I wonder if they will try and put this somewhere else in the park to disperse the crowds. I can't wait to come back down for FearFest. It's going to be a good time, I can only pray the weather co-operates like last year. Nothing like wearing shorts and a t-shirt, on the first couple days of November.

Chaka-Kahn!

Well I kept tabs on the Antique Cars site all last week. Last Tuesday night some surveyors were on the site, going to different areas. I didn't notice anything going on Wednesday, there was still some cars left in the station. On Thursday constructions signs went up near the entrance and on the fence. The cars were gone, and from what I heard are stacked up behind the games buildings in Coney Mall. There was two workers in there using cutting torches to dismantle the queue lines, and were stacking them up on skids. When I left Friday morning the queue lines were completely removed, but that's all I really noticed in terms of construction. The concrete track remains as well as the steel guide bar in the centre of it. I also didn't notice any clearing of landscaping, I am sure that will come soon as it looks like they just kicked it off construction on Thursday.

I can assure you that this is 100% of what I heard. I am not the type of person to make things up, and I don't think the person telling me would lie either. If it is wrong, I would lean more towards her being misinformed then anything else. I just put it here for interest sake. Meh..

Now before you laugh, I really don't believe this one either. I am merely putting it here for discussion sake, this is a rumour forum correct? I was talking to a older employee at PKI who has worked there for over 5 years. Now I am sure they would not be privy to any information, however they are related to someone who would know. We were just talking about random park information, and she brought up the new IJST for this year where the Tique's are. We talked about that for awhile, and then she went on to mention that her son in law works in architecture design for the park. She was talking about how he worked on Son of Beast, help designing the structure etc. She then went on to mention that the year after next, (2006) that PKI is going to be building a "one of those coasters that Cedar Point has that goes from zero to over a hundred." (Referring to Top Thrill Dragster of course) Safe to say, I wanted to just chuckle at this one as I don't really see that happening. The one thing that stuck with me though, is why would someone like this make up something like that? So who knows.. I'm sure this rumour has nearly no integrity to it, and less then 1% chance of being true. So don't shoot me for passing it on, only time will tell where the truth lies. However, PKI could be motivated to make a splash in the thrill seekers market and take some guests away from CP. Just imagine a record breaker at PKI, I can only pray!

The exclusive entrance would be a good idea, however the one thing I am not sure about is exactly how much the Great Wolf Lodge would be associated with PKI. I assume that PKI would be selling the land to the developers, and then for it to be operated by the Great Wolf Lodge, and not affilated in any direct way to PKI. I'm sure they would share some branding rights etc in terms of advertising, I just don't believe they will be one entity, which would likely be required for the entrance. Unless the lodging company would want to pay a great amount of money for the PKI entrance connected to their resort.

All that was said about the helicopter is that the park has purchased a full size helicopter. I am sure it would be scaled down and not able to fly, but from what I was told it doesn't sound like it's just a shell of a helicopter. As far as the doors, that would make more sense on them opening automatically. That just what I was told by a manager on a morning walkback.

The only show where I have seen explosions is the Batman Thrill Spectacular at Six Flags Darien Lake. It's held in a huge theatre, but when the explosions happen no matter how far back you are it's very hot. That will be a great feature on the coaster. I sort of assumed one of the launches would be a boost like you said, as by watching the video there is only two points where the train is launched from a stationary point. It's anyone's guess right now where the remaining launch will occur.

This is most of what we know so far, as we find out facts post them in here. According to Screamscape: There will be three cars on each train for a total of twelve riders per train. The circuit will hold three trains. There will be seperate stations for loading and unloading. There will be three LIM launches during the circuit. The following I learned from my recent trip: The coaster will go about the same speed as Adventure Express which goes 36 MPH, so 40 MPH as previously talked about would be correct. There will be actual Mini's on the trains. You will have to open the door to get in, as well as working headlights, and sound inside of the car. PKI has actually purchased a full size helicopter. During the explosions PKI wants you to be able to feel the heat from the flames.

After talking to various people from the campground during my stay there the past week I heard many different things. The campground is open through October 31st 2004. From what I heard the resort will not start construction until PKI has built a new campground and has it open so there is no lapse in service. Apparently the new location for the campground will be in behind Top Gun/ and to the left of Son of Beast on a 35 acre section of land. You can see this area from the Eiffel Tower of Drop Zone, look out towards the green houses behind Top Gun and the field with a few empty trams in it along with King Cobra's track. Apparently the new campground will feature full hookup sites, with electricty, water as well as sewer hook up's for trailers. As far as price, they don't expect it to be much more then a ten dollar increase on the current prices. However, that could all change as it is just plans at this point. I was told to check the PKI website the January 1st 2005, as they are going to announce the plans then. They are encouraging people to email the park, and let them know how they feel about the campground. At this point they have already recieved 6000-8000 emails from people who want the campground to remain. So there's a huge amount of people who would be upset if it leaves, so I hope they do in fact build a new one. I know for one, I would miss it if there is no other option to camp. The conveniance of being right next to the park, and being able to come and go through the day to change/eat/lounge is perfect for travellers.

Here’s a trip review of my recent trip down to PKI. My girlfriend and I left Hamilton, Ontario around 6:30 in the morning on Tuesday morning. After an 8-hour drive, we pulled into the PKI campground just before 3:00. After checking in and setting up our campsite, it was off to the park. We were able to walk on to almost every ride all week long, which was a very nice treat since we’ve had a very busy summer at our home park of PCW. We stayed Tuesday night and left Friday morning, and spent most of every day in the park. Here’s a review of the rides during our four days in the park. Delirium: Six rides over the course of our stay. What a tremendous ride, with great forces. At some points the pressure can be too much if you’re not feeling so good. Sometimes I left it with a slight nausea feeling, but not enough to keep me away. Drop Zone: Ended up with six rides on DZ, and enjoyed every single one of them. No matter how many times I ride this the rush never goes away. Although the fright I used to have no longer exists, I still love the view and especially the drop. On Tuesday night, I spotted AZ_Kinda_Guy operating, however I wasn’t able to say hello. On another ride later in the night, I saw him joking/yelling at the girl operating who accidentally opened the restraints instead of sending us up, nothing like good support from your Supervisor. Son of Beast: Four rides total, I think SOB has improved since I was last at PKI in June. After a few rides my last time at the park, I was fed up with SOB and had little interest to ride it again. It just beat me up way too much, and from the minute it goes down the lift hill I could not wait for it to end. However this time it was much more bearable, it still has a long way to go but I will ride it, so that’s an improvement. This time I sat in a variety of seats, 1-1, 1-2, 4-2, and 1-2 again. Most of the rides were rough, but the worst part it after the first drop going into the second hill once it crests the top it slams you to the left. Ouch! The rose bowl is much improved and I can actually enjoy this part. I enjoyed three of the rides during the week, however one of them on Thursday morning during the rain was quite painful. I think with new trains SOB could be a good coaster. Adventure Express: Rode it twice during the trip. Still love this ride; it’s gives a great out of control feeling and the theming was all up and running which adds a ton to the ride. Definitely a fun run ride, and while my girlfriend doesn’t like the jerky feeling to the coaster it doesn’t bother me at all. Face/Off: Before this trip we had never ridden Face/Off. I’ve never been a fan of Boomerangs, and chose not to ride this til now. However I wanted the coaster credit so I finally decided to try it out. We tried to ride this late on Tuesday night, but the train before us it closed down due to mechanical problems and did not open up. Finally rode it Thursday morning before the rain came, and was given an alright ride. We were able to ride Face/Off before they opened up AZ, as we waited for the walk back to The Beast. However since it wasn’t opening til 10:00 we were escorted on Face/Off before opening. There wasn’t as much head banging as expected, but the pressure on the way back is almost too much for me and like Delirium left me a bit nauseous. I would ride it again, but would save it for the end of the day. Flight of Fear: We rode this one twice, both near the back of the train and enjoyed both rides. From experience I will definitely choose to sit near the back of the train now, as the front is just too much for me to take. Racer: Only one ride on this one, I was saddened to see that Recar would be down for our stay, so we had to settle for Racer. I find that forwards is much rougher then backwards, and since my girlfriend’s restraint ended up falling all the way down after the first hill, I spent the rest of my ride trying to brace her thighs from smashing into the lap bar. This is an all right coaster, but if given the choice I would pick Recar every time. Flying Eagles: Oh what can I say about this glorious gem of a flat ride. This has to be one of my favourite rides at PKI; there is just something about this ride that you cannot get on other rides. The feeling of snapping, and seeing the looks on the faces of the parents with younger children is priceless. I was able to get in five rides on the Eagles over the course of the week, however this was one of the rides that had a lineup when it was open. Mostly just one queue was filled, but I was able to hit it when it was opening on most days. Including two great rides after it was opened around 11:00 on Thursday, after some supervisors and managers were testing the ride for a couple runs while discussing it. Tomb Raider: The Ride: Makes me kind of jealous going through the tremendous theming of this ride, after seeing a similar attempt at PCW. Rode this twice, once in the back and once in the front. Both were good rides, the theming is what makes this ride. I have had much better rides on a Top Spin before, but I will ride this every time I come to PKI due to the uniqueness of it. The Beast: Rode this one the most of any ride this week with ten rides total. The Beast was running two trains Tuesday through Thursday, however the third was up and running for our last ride on Friday morning. Most of the rides were in our favourite seat 1-1. Nothing beats the view from the front, and there is nothing like getting a fresh smell of chain grease going up the chain hill from the front. Most of the rides were amazing, one or two were so-so due to being pinned by an over-zealous ride attendant. Almost every single time we rode the opportunity was there to re-ride again in a different seat and took it up most times. Including three rides in a row, which was enough for then as the last one was in the very back. Ouch! Don’t get me wrong I love The Beast, but I will NEVER sit in the back again, I felt things move that are not supposed to move inside of my body on this one. After going through the double helix, my ribs were screaming to me from the inside. I learned my lesson on this, and will stick to the front, and middle on Beast. One thing that I missed was night rides on The Beast. Since the park closed at 8 each night, it was still light out but I still love this coaster and it remains my #1 Wooden Coaster. Other rides during the week: Train – Two Rides Rugrats Runaway Reptar – One Ride, Nice suspended coaster for the kiddies. Scooby-Doo and the Haunted Castle – I prefer this version to PCW’s. I scored 660. Eiffel Tower – Went up twice and got a great view of the park, and some nice pictures. I saw PKI_Diana working on Wednesday, but she was busy in conversation with a security guard. Did not ride Vortex or Top Gun, just didn’t get around to going on either. We went to Crocodile Dundee’s Boomerang Bay on mid afternoon on Thursday. The temp was mild at this point, but I wanted to head to the water park so off we went. I knew the park was in limited operation, but this is one part that was really affected. The only attractions operating were the Wave pool, Tazmanian Typhoon, Jackeroo Landing, Wallaby Wharf, and Kookaburra Bay. We relaxed around the Wave pool for a while, before getting two rides on Tazzy. I later found out from a late evening trip back to CDBB to take some pictures that once schools are out the water park goes into full operation. I should of waited til later, but hindsight it always 20/20. The weather co-operated for the most part, and the park was nothing short of what I expected. It was an awesome way to cap off my summer, and look forward to heading back to PKI for FearFest later in October. Thank you to everyone who helped with advice for the trip, I had a great time.