Screwball

I've been following these rumours closely as SF Great Adventure will be one of the parks I visit next summer. I plan on going on a road trip across the US and visiting about 10 different parks. Anyways back on topic, alot of the rumours have been speculating that it will be B&M, or Premier Rides in building the new coaster. If that's true, they could launch the coaster higher in a shorter distance if they have the technology. You don't have to use TTD's length and height as a example as a different launching method could send it higher in a shorter area. I would keep a eye out for B&M on this one as they already have 4 at GADV, and would be a ideal place to introduce their Turbo (launch) coaster. To be honest, I think at this point alot of the rumours are too far fetched. I really don't expect a coaster to break TTD's records. They may indeed build a rocket (Intamin), turbo (B&M), or bullet (Premier Rides) coaster at SFGADV but expect under 420'.

Something I do with all OTSR on Coasters, is stick my head out past the restraints when going through corkscrews, corners, or anything that will jar your head. This helps immensely for me, instead of hitting my head on the restraints it is usually absorbed through my shoulders. While it doesn't prevent any pain, it's definately better then your head. It works great for me on all Arrow Loopers I have ridden, as well as Togo Standups. Even a ride like Mantis at CP, which many people feel is impossible to get off without hitting your head, I was able to do it through the second half of the ride with no pain. Now if I could only figure out a way to go through a Vekoma SLC without feeling I went twelve rounds with Mike Tyson.

There are roller coaster trains that resemble that of a flat ride, although it doesn't have the elements of a flat ride built in. An exmaple would be Oblivion at Alton Towers. It's a B&M Dive Machine, and there have been rumours that PKI could be installing one soon.

Shockwave is without a doubt one of the most intense rides I have ever ridden. I was talking about the JUMP2 (Sledge Hammer) in the post above, but trust me if you are looking for intensity and thrills the Mondial TopScan is definately the way to go. This ride is out of control, and tosses your body and legs in every direction. The arm you are sitting on rotates while the body of the ride at a huge angle, it's a very good expierence. Out of all the flats at PCW, I would have to rate this one my favourite. Although once a day is definately enough for me. While I could ride our JUMP2, Giant Frisbee, or Top Spin all day long. I think this was mentioned before, but down on the left side of Coney Mall just before the Action FX Theatre, I noticed an empty ride area including the queue area and operator's station. This could be a good spot to add a flat, and the raised location would add to the thrill.

I don't know if you've ridden one, but the reviews of the one at Canada's Wonderland (it is there right?) hasn't gotten very good reviews. How about we get another Giant Top Spin and see if the "regular" folk can figure out that they're the same thing. Since my home park is PCW I can help you with this one. The Huss JUMP2 which we recieved as our new ride in 2003 is an amazing ride to look at as well as ride. About the reviews you have seen, most of the ones I have read are hitting along the lines that it's semi-mild, and not as thrilling as it looks. While it doesn't give you the same feeling as a Giant Frisbee (Delirium) in terms of speed and force it's still a great ride. Every time I go to the park I love getting on Sledgehammer, and feeling the anticipation as it gains speed and then launches you up over a 100 feet in the air. Then waiting to be thrown back down to the ground, if you think you have lost your stomach on other rides like Monster, wait til you ride this one. One of the best elements is the arrangement of the seats where you can see other peoples faces as they are directly across from you. It's a world class ride in my eyes, and PKI fans would definately like the ride after riding it.

It takes me just over 8 hours to get to PKI. I live in Hamilton, Ontario about an hour away from Toronto. The last time I came to PKI was for 5 days in the second week of June. Although it's a far drive, it's definately worth it. I'll be back for FearFest!

I had that chance to ride The Beast during fireworks this past Tuesday. My girlfriend and I camped at the PKI campground Monday through Friday. On Tuesday we were in line for The Beast it was about ten minutes until ten. I always wait for the front seat, so there was about 3-4 trains ahead of us until our turn. There was a couple ahead of us who were trying to time it so they could be on during the fireworks, and let one pair go ahead of them. They ended up going on the next train, and wouldn't of seen the fireworks til late in their run. The fireworks started as soon as we came out of the tunnel after the first drop. Racing through the woods, and seeing the fireworks through the trees was a great feeling. The best part was going up to the second lift hill, and the whole time looking out to the right and seeing the explosions in the air. After the double helix, and into the brake run the finale of the fireworks were going off such a neat expeirence. Although the rest of the week we just sat and watched the fireworks, as I found it sort of distracted you from the ride, more so looking for the fireworks instead of what is coming up next. Unrelated but two great spots to watch the fireworks are from Bubba Gumps patio right outside of Coney Mall, and down by Vortex and the Action FX theatre. You get a clear view and not as busy as International Street.

I remember Days of Thunder when it was playing at PCW from 1994 through 1998. It's a great show, with excellent movement of the seats to go along with the film. It's definately worth seeing if you have time. That of course is if they plan to use the same film from years ago.

Mostly due to that alot of people will be iritated and not say anything. The last thing I would want is a good day at the park ruined by someone who gets upset after you ask them to put out their smoke. Outside of a queue line, I don't mind if others smoke as I can move away. However being contained in a small area, and have to breathe in the smoke is not fair to most people.

Just a name used frequently in Paramount Parks. PCW has a coaster named Vortex, but it's a suspended coaster. (Similar to Top Gun at PKI)

My girlfiend and I were watching the end of the show, and I swear both of our jaws dropped to the ground when Woody first mentioned The Beast. (Which is my favourite coaster), Then Grissom saying he loves SOB (My girlfriends favourite) That was so awesome. It was funny as they were talking about Kennywood and the Steel Phantom, I was thinking to myself how cool would it be if they mentioned a Paramount coaster. Not a few seconds later they did. Great cross promotion for Viacom!

CSI is a great show, can't wait to watch this episode.

Aerosmith is playing a concert at Six Flags Darien Lake towards the end of June. I am not sure if it is a HoB production, but you never know.

Well, I had my first expierence on Tomb Raider last night. The theming in the queue line is actually pretty well done, there are flames coming out of the torches that supports the main sign. There are some nice props, and the landscaping is well done. However that's about where anything that is good ends. The line wasnt bad as we got into the park before they were supposed to open the gates. The strange thing about the station is the trains don't stop moving for loading unless they get behind. The riders step down off of the trains while it's moving, and new ones climb up while it is moving. So up comes our turn, I climb up into this horrible cage which limits you from seeing anything but straight ahead. You can barely look beside you, and it constricts you in every manner. Here is where the fun begins, as our train moves to the end of the station they stop us. Like I mentioned the trains are supposed to keep moving. We had to wait at the end of the station in this cage for about five minutes while they kept repeating we are expierencing a slight delay. Finally they send our train up the corkscrew type lift hill, as we reach near the top you can hear the lift stop, and we start rolling backwards. Then the train stopped a few feet from where we stopped and locked there. We were at the very top of the hill just before it goes near the platform before the first drop. The trains were not comfortable to begin with, but having to be stuck up 50-60 feet in the air and wait isnt the best feeling. We heard the announcements over and over saying we are expierencing a delay. It was funny watching everyone walking by looking up and pointing at how the new ride was broken, and here we are at the top of it. After about 10 minutes, they finally start the ride back up and it goes through the cycle. The ride is complete crap, there is two heartline spirals, and all it does is jerk you all around and smash your head off of the headrests. Not one point of the ride was enjoyable. I will ride it once more to see if the fact I was already ****ed off about being stuck played into me not enjoying the ride. However I really doubt my opinion will change. Good job PCW!

I agree about the ugly colours, something makes me think that theming it was an afterthought. You would think that they would of made the track darker with some deep red, brown and black. Oh well, I'm leaving now for the park. I'll fill you guys in later on how it went.

I agree with you there, had they built it inside an used the same kind of idea that PKI used for TR:TR, with theming and effects it would of been great. I've got a feeling that they left it outdoors to try and show the feeling of flying. Which leads us back to the original point, why theme the coaster to Tomb Raider? haha Ahhh if we had only recieved a B&M or Vekoma instead.

Exactly, We have Top Gun (SLC Vekoma) here which is obviously themed to the movie. The theming really is only used in the queue line and while it may be neat for the first time it loses it's appeal. I expect the new coaster to do the same. Riding TR:TR at PKI actually involves the ride in the theming, which a coaster cannot really do unless it's a mine coaster.

Mods: Please move this if it's in the wrong area. After a long offseason Wonderland will finally open up tomorrow for the Season Passholders Sneak Preview night. As some of you know our new addition this year was a Zamperla Volare (Flying Coaster). PCW named the coaster Tomb Raider The Ride, which upset some of you a few months ago when the announcement was made. I am semi anxious to ride it tomorrow night, not so much to see if like it but more to how dissapointed I will be. Anyway, Here's the latest picture of the ride that shows some of the theming the park used. http://www.canadas-wonderland.com/i/assets/tombraid5.jpg I haven't seen it in person yet, but I think that PKI did a way better job at using the theming. It's easier to do indoors, but it begs the question why they decided to try and theme a rollercoaster. I will post all the information and how the ride was sometime on Saturday. Cheers, Screwball

The Wonderland sign does look like that, minus the PCW Junkies logo on the message board. They usually just have announcements up on that part. Usually when they are hiring, hours of the park and so on. If they incorporated the PCW style, with a LCD screen for PKI it would look real nice.

Paramount Canada's Wonderland has a SLC Vekoma called "Top Gun". You can see the trains here. At PCW we also have a ride similar to Top Gun at PKI, It's called Vortex here. (Have to love the name switching between parks, haha) It's not as popular as it used to be, but the ride still gives a great rush. Instead of the Eiffel Tower our centrepeice after the fountain is a huge man made mountain, and The Vortex climbs up to the top of it then flies down over a lake and all around. The ride is incredibly fast. I rode Top Gun when I was down at PKI, and I didn't enjoy it as much to me it seemed really short even though it's almost the same length as our Vortex.

It is official, a local member of the media in Toronto went on a winter tour of the park just to show what goes on during the winter. They then teased about the new coaster going in, but wouldn't show and footage or details about the coaster. After talking for a minute or so they went to a seperate segment with video of the coasters construction as well as a interview with the media relations director for PCW. She held up some papers which on the cover had Tomb Raider: The Ride as the name of the ride. She then confirmed the name of the ride, but didn't elaborate on what theming the ride would recieve. Now for my opinion about the ride, I am somewhat disapointed about the Zamperla Volare, but I didn't expect much in terms of a new ride so I won't complain. If I don't like it I just wont ride it, let the general public waste their time on it, so they can stay away from other rides. My major upset about the ride is that the location they put it in they had to remove two flat rides (The Fury, and The Great Whale of China) The Fury is identical to the Monster at PKI, and I love that ride. It's always great to have a nice ride on it early in the morning. Hopefully they move the rides elsewhere in the park, but reports I heard earlier in the winter only have the Great Whale moving within the park and the Fury leaving completely. I am anxious to ride the Volare, but as long as PCW doesn't consider this 'our' big coaster addition I will be satisfied. 2005 is PCW's 25th Anniversary and hopefully they do something major to celebrate it.

At PCW we still have a Togo Standup that is identical to King Cobra. It opened up in 1985, and continues to operate. The ride remains one of my favourites, there is nothing like being in the front seat and heading down that first hill straight into the loop, then feeling your knees buckle in the loop. I would miss the ride if it left, hopefully PCW can find or has enough parts already to keep it running.

Sounds sweet, Looks like they want to get as much done before the snow starts falling.

It is a double edged sword in a way with the weather shaping up nice. On one hand you get to enjoy the last weekend of the year at PKI being comfortable, but of course then the lines will be much longer. I am willing to wait the extra time in line, as one of the things I was really worried about was having the temperatures near freezing and not being able to have fun on the rides due to the cold. For the last few weeks we have had cold temperatures up here, in the 50's. So it will be a nice change to come down and take the winter coats off. Can't wait!

Thanks sob tom! My girlfriend and I are leaving early Friday morning from Ontario and driving straight through to Mason. We have a room booked at the Super 8 in Mason. We plan on heading to the park for opening on Saturday, hitting up the bigger rides early in the morning, SOB, FoF, Beast, and DZ. Hopefully get those done and able to grab some lunch then like you mentioned try and do the FF attractions with the longer waits. We'll come early again on Sunday, go on the rides again. Then try and finish off the rest of the FF attractions. Then the best is saved for last, Beast final ride. I can't wait for that, it's going to be good. Since I have never been there for a last ride, how many people end up showing up? Should we get to The Beast well ahead of 10 o clock to beat the line? Thanks, and enjoy your weekend everyone; I know we will!